Keeping Kids Safe Online: Expert Tips For Gaming Parents

The Gaming Craze: A Holiday Hit

The holiday season is here, and video games are front and center on kids' wishlists. In fact, a survey by the Electronic Software Association (ESA) revealed that three out of five kids are asking for video games this year. Beyond the games themselves, in-game currency is also a big draw for young players.

Expert Advice on Online Safety

With gaming being more interactive than ever, how can parents ensure their children remain safe online? Aubrey Quinn, a senior VP at ESA, shares some crucial insights. "As your kids begin to interact with people, whether it's in real life, strangers in real life, or also online, make sure they understand that if someone says 'hey let's text about this' or 'let's go to this other texting platform,' one, don't give them that app if they're young but two, that to me is the big red flag," advises Quinn.

“Most of the game programs have settings that default to the safest, safest,” Quinn emphasized. “No in-game communication, no adult content, based on their age year.”

Setting Up for Safety

Quinn recommends parents use their child's actual birth year when setting up gaming profiles to restrict access to age-inappropriate content. "If a kid comes in and says I'm mom's age, I'm dad's age, they're gonna have access to all these things, that game is gonna treat you like an adult," she cautions.

Practical Safety Tips for Gaming Parents

Start by checking the game's rating: E is for everyone, E10+ for those over 10, T for teens, and M for mature audiences. Parents should also ensure that any user interaction features are turned off if they don't want their kids chatting with strangers online.

Additionally, setting limits on both playtime and spending can help maintain a balanced gaming lifestyle for your child. For more personalized advice or questions, reach out to GoodQuestion@whec.com.