Gaming

• Time – one of the main issues concerning online gaming, is the amount of time that players spend online.  Unless limited too much time spent on gaming could encroach on school work, family time and socialising.  You should always set appropriate limits.
• Be aware that your young people may form strong attachments to other gamers without actually knowing who they are.
• Age appropriateness – many games now are aimed at an adult market, with strong language, sexual content, violence or references to substance misuse and criminal activity.  Games are given ratings, similar to DVD’s and foster carers should ensure that children in their household are not exposed to content unsuitable for their age group and abilities.  All consoles now have parental controls, which can be password set to limit time spent playing, the types of game played and the online contact list for the user.
• If you have a game console in your house read the instruction.  Parental controls and filters are straightforward to use, and Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony have excellent easy to understand websites offering support and guidance.