6 Safe Gaming Tips that Developers Use with Their Own Kids
For many parents, the world of video gaming can be overwhelming, especially when trying to help kids build safe and healthy gaming habits. We asked the Endless team for advice on how they introduce their children to the world they love, without sacrificing peace of mind.
Know the risks.
Gaming is certainly not a risk free space.
Knowing game ratings, which help parents identify games that are right for their child’s age group, is key. Games rated “M for mature” are likely to contain images, dialogue, or game play that can desensitize younger players to violence and other mature content.
Parents should also monitor how their children are playing games, and for how long. According to the American Medical Association, only 10-15% of video gamers meet the criteria for addiction, so though parents shouldn’t be overly concerned about addiction, parents should be cautious of letting children player for hours without breaks, and should enforce rules so that gaming doesn’t impact normal function (like sleeping) and responsibilities.
2. Beware of bullying.
The high rate of video games releases and the proliferation of “freemium” games (that are free with premium (paid) content) not only makes it more challenging to stay aware of all the games your child has access to, it also widens the risks of game or cyber bullying.
Bullying occurs both in and outside of games, especially when children play with friends in co-op modes or against one another in multiplayer games. Kids can gang up on each other while playing or make harmful verbal or text comments in communication channels, and are often able to do so in an anonymous or semi-anonymous way. It can be very damaging to their self-esteem while playing. It is imperative that parents be mindful of any signs of bullying, and be willing and able to have an open dialogue with children about both the effects and strategies to deal with the issue. Screenagers is a great resource - it focuses on phone bullying, but applies to gaming as well.
3. Encourage kids to see gaming as learning
Video games have the power to teach children life lessons and skills not found anywhere else. In fact, there are positives that far outweigh any negatives. Video games can help with self-esteem as children learn and get better at something on their own.
Different genres including puzzles, adventure, platform and strategy are becoming more accessible for all children, not just pre-teens. Game developers are also offering multiplayer and collaborative tools for children who like to interact with their friends and neighbors after class. Some games, including Endless’ Terminal Two games, are promoting new skills like coding mechanics that allow kids to hack and create new experiences.
We’ve seen parents have an easier time teaching their kids to maintain a healthy and fun relationship with games if the game experiences offer reasons to come back. Coding and educational experiences like Terminal Two games are not only fun, but educational. Unlike other games, children like coming back to them because they offer the opportunity to create new experiences each time.
4. Find good blocking and control tools
We have utilized a number of tools to effectively track and monitor gaming. One of these tools, Circle, allows parents to block individual sites like YouTube on one or all of your devices that are connected to a home’s WiFi. Circle is one of the services we’ve found the most success with, especially as it’s also very easy to set up and maintain.
If you’re a fan of Google services, Google WiFi offers parents parental controls directly through an app. You’re able to turn off internet access with a simple click. You can also set a time when WiFi turns off so no need to take any devices away.
Microsoft Family accounts allow you to opt in to getting your children's software usage. You can seen how much time your child spends using any one application. You can also use the Hack Laptop, which has a system built on top of the Endless OS that allows your kids to use their tools while offline, giving you a full understanding of what your kids have access to.
5. Game with your kids
Parents should be involved in video games for more than the purchase, you should play the games your kids want to play. Today’s internet allows beginners the opportunity to watch reviews and walkthroughs on YouTube and Twitch.
If that’s too much of a commitment, reading a synopsis will go a long way when you interact with your children to check in on their progress. We find that our kids appreciate us asking questions about their journeys through today’s expansive video game worlds.
As children get older, it’s also important to talk them through being responsible gamers.” Virginia McArthur, Executive Producer Terminal Two says, “We give children autonomy to choose when in the day to play on weekends, letting them sort through their own time management. Write out clear rules for what is and is not okay, including the types of games they play. If they’re doing well in other activities (school work, housework, sports, etc.) try not to take away game time; instead reward with more time. We try to default to less time and then give extra time for finishing homework, chores complete, and other good behavior.”
6. Broaden horizons
It’s also important to introduce different genres to your children. They might love racing games, but if that’s all you’re purchasing them, they might miss out on testing out their creative muscles.
Gone are the days of after dinner sitcoms. In 2019, families have the opportunity to sit around and take turns playing video games and board games. You can either join in, or just guess what might be going on. No harm in taking a peek at what your children are playing. It may lead to some wonderful conversations!