10 Family Gaming Tips

10

KEEP IT TO FRIENDS ONLY

If in doubt, keep your child’s online multiplayer experience to real-life friends only. You can oversee their friends list, restrict their contacts through the console’s parental controls, and even disable multiplayer entirely.

9

KNOW THE REPORTING PROCESS

If someone says or does something online that makes your child uncomfortable, make sure they know they can report this.

8

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY

If you allow your youngster to use the voice chat function on their console, remind them that the people they talk to are still strangers, and to be cautious.

7

DON’T OVERSHARE

Make sure they know not to share personal information that could identify them, like their school, address or phone number.

6

USE AN ALIAS

Encourage your child to use a nickname and not their real name when playing online.

10Family Gaming Tips

5

CHECK PLAY HISTORY

See what your child plays, and for how long, by checking the user history on their profile.

4

REGULAR BREAKS

Screen time studies vary but all agree that regular breaks are essential. Take one every 45-60 minutes.

3

SET UP PARENTAL CONTROLS

Ensure you have specified what content children can access with secure passwords and user settings.

2 1

CHECK CLASSIFICATIONS

The Classification Board in Australia classifies all films, DVDs, video games and publications that are shown, sold or hired. These ratings help parents identify appropriate games based on their content.

PLAY TOGETHER

Keep games consoles in communal rooms and play games together. There are a number of active and sports titles available for consoles that the whole family can join in with.