Your child wants to play video games online. You want him or her to have fun and do the activities they like, but you also want them to be safe. You know the world out on the internet can be dangerous, scary, and troubling. Online games like Fortnite and Roblox let you play with their real-life friends and strangers from around the world. They're incredibly popular with kids of all ages. Playing with people online can also be risky. That's why we've put together a few tips to make sure they get the most from the experience.
#1 Check your local high speed internet. There's nothing more frustrating than a slow internet connection. “Lagging” will get you killed every time! Unsurprisingly, you need to have a decent internet connection to play online games. Video games, and all videos really, require a lot of bandwidth. This means you don't just need the internet, you need access to the internet through the best high speed internet deals. Look for an option that provides you with over 500 GB’s of high-speed data, a low ping rate, and an average speed of around 25 Mbps.
#2 Help them choose a username. Your internet is connected and the game is up and running. It's time to create a username. This absolutely should not be their real name. Make sure their nickname does not include their full name, school’s name, birthday, street address, the city you live in, or cell phone number.
#3 Stay as anonymous as possible. If you’re supposed to use a profile picture, find an avatar that doesn’t show your face. Better yet, choose a picture of a cartoon character that isn't your child's real picture at all! If you do use a picture, look at it closely for whether it shows anything that could be used to identify them, like a school logo or your street address.
#4 Watch out for in-app purchases. Many games are free to download and then offer the players a way to earn more points or unlock items with real money purchases. Have a conversation with your child about the fact that this is real money. Never allow them to spend your money without you okay-ing the purchase. Don’t buy items from websites outside of the game itself, as this could be a scam.
#5 Be leery of downloads. Downloading cheats or mods from websites other than the official game website can be dangerous for several reasons. These files can contain viruses that will damage your computer or phone, and give hackers access to your personal data.
#6 Keep it fun. Remember, video games are just that- games! Encourage your child to take breaks. Taking short breaks when you’re playing games can help you to stay healthier. Never allow your child to get so upset over the game they yell or cry. Feeling tired, hungry, or starting to ignore things like homework and chores means your child is taking the same too seriously and needs a mental health break.
When done properly and safely, thanks to best high speed internet deals and a few other tips, gaming can be a lot of fun!
