Useful information to keep your children safe when they’re playing online.

A large number of games can be played against one or several players through a PC or a games console with an Internet connection. In addition, a lot of websites offer the possibility to play online games, either alone or against others. These range from simple arcade games to huge multiplayer online role-playing games, which can involve a huge number of players participating at the same time. Many such online games support virtual communities, and this can expose players to the risks associated with real-time interaction with unknown fellow players.

Such risks include:

• Content being created as a result of the game which could be unsuitable for young people and a mismatch with the rating given for the game.

• Some players engaging in behaviour that might not be suitable for young people. For example, inappropriate or offensive language; bullying in games that allow text, voice or video communication; unsporting conduct like cheating and tampering; or aggressiveness towards others.

• Online gameplay sometimes encourages children to build relationships, share personal details, or even meet unknown fellow players outside the game.

• Links to websites where content may not be suitable for young people.

SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Warn your children not to give out personal details to other players.

• Review the terms and conditions of use in online games and on gameplay websites. Make sure your children are using a username that is in accordance with these conditions.

• Warn your children not to meet other players unless accompanied by you.

• Monitor your children’s activities on gameplay websites. Set limits on when and how much time your child is allowed to play online.

• Encourage and remind your children to report issues such as bullying, threatening or bad language, the display of unpleasant content, or invitations to meet outside the game.

• Report inappropriate behaviour, using a feedback page or specific complaint mechanisms on consoles or the games’ websites.

• Cease communication or change your child’s online ID if anything within the game or the way it evolves makes you feel uncomfortable.

PEGI Online
The PEGI Online Safety Code (POSC) has been developed to promote a minimum level of protection that should be provided to young people in the online gaming environment. All those who sign up to this set of rules commit themselves to banning inappropriate material from their site and to ensuring appropriate behaviour among users. As a result, they will be authorized to display the PEGI Online Logo once they have registered their games with the PEGI system.

To report an abuse or make a complaint regarding a specific gaming provider or website, you can fill in and submit a form on the PEGI Online website, and the issue will be checked out: http://www.pegionline.eu/en/index/id/264/

PEGI OK Label
Many websites and online services contain small games and in order to cover this rapidly growing segment, the PEGI OK label was devised. When a small online game on a website has been labelled ‘PEGI OK’, it means that the game can comfortably be played by players of all age groups because it does not contain any potentially unsuitable game content.

The operator of a website or games portal is permitted to use the PEGI OK label based upon a declaration made to PEGI that the game does not contain any material that requires a formal rating.

Read more: http://www.pegi.info/en/index/id/1382/

Source:

PEGI

PEGI online

Related articles on kidsandmedia.co.uk:

The Games Talk

How do you establish good playing habits at home?

Link:

A safe website with a lot of free games that are well suited for young children can be found at this webpage: http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/