Game Safety Tips for Children

There is a vast range of computer and video games on the market today, and just as with TV programmes or films, they are created for players of differing ages and maturity levels. To help choose the right games for their family, parents are encouraged to check the ratings on each video or computer game box to ensure that their children can enjoy games appropriate for their age. In addition, parents should read game reviews, try out demos of the games and talk to older children and other parents before they make a purchase.

Some more helpful tips for parents are listed below:

• Check the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) rating symbols and content descriptors to select appropriate games.
• Whilst rating symbols provide guidance, always consider your child's maturity level, personality and abilities in order to decide which games are appropriate for them.
• Speak to other parents and older children, read game reviews, try out demos (either in-store or online) or rent games before purchasing.
• Before buying, look at the box carefully; most will feature screenshots of the game in action. Make sure that you are comfortable with the characters, level of action and scene depiction before you buy or rent the game. Additional screenshots may usually be found online, either at the game's website or at game review sites.
• Check the shop's return policy; most will not accept computer or video game returns once the cellophane wrapping has been opened.
• Check to see if the game has parental controls that will enable you to restrict specific game content by rating.
• Be wary of online games that may be played with friends (and strangers) over the Internet. These games usually contain live chat or other user-generated content that may not be consistent with the rating assigned to the game. You should also ensure that your children follow the general guidelines for online safety whilst they play this type of game.
• Take some time to play video games with your children; not only will this provide a fun parent/child activity, but it will also help you to understand your child's video game experience.
• Be aware of 'mods' - these are downloadable programs that can alter game content and the game's age-appropriateness. In addition, some mods may contain spyware or viruses, making them harmful to your family computer.
• Establish household game-use rules and discuss why these rules are set with your children. This will help them to recognise content that is inappropriate, and will encourage them to talk to you if they feel the game falls outside the set boundaries.