Online gaming is a favorite pastime of kids of all ages. For as long as they know how to control the game and they have access to the internet, it is safe to assume that they will spend many hours online just playing their games.
However, the kids could be playing games that are not appropriate for their age. One of the first steps in protecting kids online with regards to their online games is choosing games that are right for their age.
Online Game Ratings
In some countries, as a measure of protecting kids online, games designed for use on the internet are rated according to their content. Generally, the ratings board or agency also gives recommendations as to the age bracket the games are suitable for.
Therefore, it is important that prior to allowing your children to play their games, as a means of protecting kids online; the games ratings should be checked and applied accordingly.
In the United States and Canada, the games are categorized as follow:
Early Childhood or EC – Games rated EC are appropriate for kids aged three years old and above. These generally contain fully wholesome graphics and the themes do not depict violence and sex.
Everyone or E – These games are recommended for children aged six years old and above. Games rated E may have very mild violent content.
Everyone 10+ or E10+ - These games are recommended for children aged ten years old and above. Games rated E10+ may have mild violent content and mild suggestive content.
Teen or T– These games are recommended for children aged thirteen years old and above. These may have violent content, suggestive content, and mild bloody graphics.
Mature or M – These are the games that are pegged as suitable for players who are seventeen years old and above. These could have more violent content, sexual undertones, strong language and blood.
Adults Only or AO – These games are recommended for players who are at least eighteen years of age. These may have contents that are extremely violent, sexual scenes and very strong language.
Reviewing Games Prior to Game Play
While the ratings are there to guide parents, one other way of protecting kids online, is for parents to actually view and review the games first before allowing the kids to play them.
A better option, especially for younger kids, is for parents to play the games with their kids. In this regard, protecting kids online means going through each phase of the game with the kids so parents can help the children understand the game more.
The bottom line in protecting kids online as per online games is that when it comes to online games, it is still entirely up to the discretion of the parents as to what they deem appropriate and inappropriate for their kids.