Online Gaming

Fitted with headsets and microphones, teens spend hours online gaming with others around the world. Internet predators "hang out" online where the kids are. Online gaming has become a popular pastime in the last several years so as more children go online to play video games, Internet predators go there as well. Microphones and headsets make it easier to respond in the heat of the moment and may lead to cyberbullying, name calling, foul language, or inappropriate conversation. Online gamers often think nothing of giving out their phone number- after all, what's the difference between chatting online or on the phone? Children often don't want to report problems with Internet gaming because they are afraid their games will be taken away.

Students should:

• be careful what screen names they use and characters they select to represent themselves
• don't give out any personal information or phone numbers- a phone number is usually tied to an address and can reveal your location
• use safety settings (such as those in xbox)
• follow the same safety rules you would when using the Internet

Cyberbullies, known as griefers, often seek to disrupt gaming by bullying players- especially beginners. Griefers are the equivalent of playground bullies. Griefer behavior includes taunting others, thwarting teammates during the game, using inappropriate language, and ganging up with other gamers. To deal with griefers:

• ignore them- if you don't react, they'll get bored and go away
• create a private game
• take a break and come back later
• report them to the game site administrator
• don't fight fire with fire- if you use griefer tactics against other griefers, the situation will escalate
• pick a screen name that does not identify you; don't pick provocative screen names
• don't give out any personal information

Click here for an excellent article about online gaming and how to keep your child safe.
ONLINE GAMING SAFETY
Used with Permission

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