Video Gaming and Safety – Using Parental Controls to Protect Your Kids When Gaming
Computer games have evolved from the personal computer and the personal gaming console to include a variety of hand-held devices and online applications. Computer games are played by individuals or groups of people over a network, with the use of wireless Internet technology. Typically, computer games are single player and do not involve interaction between more than two players. A computer or video game is simply an interactive computer or video game that entails interaction with a human user interface or external input device, including a keyboard, mouse, joystick, motion sensor device, or wireless networking equipment. The term “video game” generically describes any computer or video game, whether it is programmed through a software program and implemented via hardware, or is otherwise created through interactivity over a network.
Gaming devices are designed to deliver highly personalized interactive experience which may include text-based options and various images. Video game companies are constantly innovating and improving their video game platforms to give users the best possible gaming experience. Some of the most popular massively multiplayer online games available on the Internet include Age of Empires, Daytonnia, Homage, andraid. These highly addictive games require a massive network to participate in the game.
Networking is essential to participate in these massively multiplayer online games. Individuals must be familiar with basic Internet safety settings to avoid the risk of being attacked by other players while playing a game. Internet safety settings often include age restrictions and time limits to prevent the child from engaging in gaming at inappropriate times. Many online gaming sites allow parents to block inappropriate content and provide game recommendations for safe play. By using common sense and good judgment, parents can help ensure that their children are enjoying themselves and doing so within a safe environment.
Because gaming requires large groups of individuals to interact at the same time, it is important to create a safe environment for playing games. Many gamers spend hours chatting with friends while playing multiplayer online games. If an individual is found to be chatting with an unauthorized person they can be banned from a site or receive severe consequences from playing the game. If an individual allows a friend to use their personal contact information while playing games, they may be held responsible for reporting the activity to law enforcement officials.
With this in mind, it is important that parents understand the risks of allowing children to play video games. While most video games are safe for children to play, there are some violent games on the market that have realistic weapons and blood involved. Although most video games do not contain actual weapons, they can be used for simulated gun violence. As a parent, it is important to teach young people to respect other individuals who enjoy playing video games. Doing so will ensure that they enjoy spending time interacting with others and don’t become a target for gamers looking to harm other gamers.
There are several games on the market that allow for great interaction among gamers. By utilizing parental controls or by adjusting the time limits on the game consoles, parents can help guide children to be good neighbors when gaming. Using these security features on game consoles and eliminating the risk of allowing too many people to be online at once can keep children safe while allowing them to have fun. With a little education and protection, a child can be well-protected while still enjoying gaming time on game consoles.