Online Gaming
Accessing and playing video games streamed over the Internet is the future of videogaming as high speed broadband connections become more available. There are many reasons that make online play so attractive for gamers:
1. The games create elaborate and complex worlds.
2. The games never stop – they go 24 hours a day/7days a week.
3. Gamers play with others, a team, made up of players from all over the world.
So what’s not to like about this new creative pastime? They are tons of fun, engaging games for kids to play online. But the biggest, most crucial challenge for parents to look out for in online gaming is addiction:
- Online gamers seem to be the most easily addicted.
- The number of hours gamers play online tend to be high.
- The people who report addictive symptoms are more likely to be online gamers.
It’s important for parents to set down and enforce rules of play in advance. Once online gaming is out of control, it’s hard to get it back under control. If you decide your child is old enough for an online game, tell them they can try it for a trial period to see if can follow the rules.
Here are three rules to consider:
1. Time limits: We recommend no more than 2 hours of total screen time (including videogames, TV, computer, etc.). What piece will online gaming have in your total time limit?
2. When: define the specific time when your child can play, perhaps after homework or household jobs are finished.
3. Consequences: Tell your child what will happen if he or she doesn’t follow the rules (and enforce it). Perhaps: “Won’t be able to play for ‘X #’ of days.”
Remember to follow the ratings to find games with appropriate content for your child. Also be aware that your child may be playing with team members who could be much older – make sure you check in on their play. Keeping the online gaming computer out of kids’ bedrooms and in a common area of the house will help you keep track of your child’s play. Since these games run 24 hours a day, the temptation and pressure to engage with the game is very high.
To learn more about online gaming and how you can increase your Digital Parenting skill, see our Parent Guide to Online Gaming for more discussion and tips.
Help other parents – what has been your experience with online gaming with your child?
-Dr. Dave
2 people left feedback on “Online Gaming”
Thanks Dr. Dave for the great tips on how to prevent online games addiction. It's really needed to limit child play time. As of today, addiction is really a growing concern of community. I would also like to share some tips that will surely help parents and others regarding how to kick off the gaming habit. Here's the link for reference: http://www.sooperarticles.com/gaming-articles/k...
the bad thing about this is that is only shows you the “bad side” of computergames. Im a 14 year old girl. And they call me a game addict. Why? Because i play clanwars and play lots and lots of computer games. I had my own computer on my 4th and played duck shooting at my 2nd.
- I even play at night (parents please dont give your child a computer on their room if you want to prevent that from happening.)
“But dont think your childeren are idiots. They know when you go to bed. How you behave and how to hide themselfs”
- I do play with much older guys. “But not all those guys are bad and i even met a few. Its the same risk as sending your child to a disco. What seems perfectly normal.”
BUT
1. I always go to school and even do the highest level possible here.
2. My dad gave me my computer and a computer realy helped be with my englisch.
3. Other languages can easly be learned on the computer and talking to other players supports learning it even more. Now i can speak: French Dutch German Englisch and even a little bit swedisch.
4. AND VERY IMPORTANT! I am not aggresive
AND PLEASE PARENTS! DONT WANT TO KNOW 2 MUCH! IT ANNOYS YOUR KIDS!
Its better to say: “Hey what did you do today? And how was the game? Maybe you can go to the pool with –Friend–”
You are showing intrest in your child and at the same time you support your kid to kick off by doing fun things with friends.
DONT:: Check all their internet sites and stand behind them while playing. Most kids dont want to tell you anything then.