| Parents are always concerned about the well | | | | settings parents can use to protect their |
| being of their offspring. Video games and the | | | | kids. Read about these at the Xbox 360 |
| internet are good as well as bad. In order | | | | website. Read the Xbox code of conduct . |
| for gaming and the internet to be positive | | | | |
| experiences you need to set rules that will | | | | 7. Ensure that the kids understand they must |
| protect your child and take certain steps to | | | | never reveal personal information on the |
| ensure your child is safe. | | | | internet and that they must use "dummy" |
| | | | identities for play. Sit down with the kids |
| As a concerned parent: | | | | and create fun ids for them. |
| | | | |
| 1. Know the risks posed by video games and | | | | 8. Ensure that the kids do not use live chats |
| the internet. Even if a game is rated as safe | | | | or forums online. This would of course depend |
| on the box, very often, downloadable and | | | | on how old the children are. Befriend your |
| alterations to the game online turn the game | | | | child/children so that they will come to you |
| dangerous. Ratings are not based on | | | | when they encounter strange happenings or |
| alterations and download. So educate yourself | | | | foul language. Win the trust of the children. |
| everyday. | | | | |
| | | | 9. Be in touch with other parents and |
| 2. Use the US Department of Education's | | | | exchange information on video games. |
| Parents Guide to the Internet ( and other | | | | Networking works well and several PTAs even |
| websites like Child Safety on the Information | | | | have websites that give tips on video gaming. |
| Highway. | | | | |
| | | | 10. Play time according to child development |
| 3. Set down strict gaming and internet rules. | | | | specialists must be a reward and not a right. |
| Monitor the sites your child uses and learn | | | | Set down the video gaming time say 30 mins |
| how to use parental controls offered by | | | | thrice a week or everyday depending on your |
| Windows and other systems. | | | | personal choices. Do not permit gaming to be |
| | | | an addiction or obsession. If you notice any |
| 4. Play the video games yourself so that you | | | | behavioral changes and you feel its gaming |
| have hands on experience. | | | | seek expert advice/help. |
| | | | |
| 5. Allow the children to play video games | | | | The responsibilities of parenting are |
| with only known players. If you are unsure of | | | | constantly changing and are more demanding |
| what kids may be doing at a friend's house, | | | | with developments in technology. Parents need |
| drop in unexpectedly and check on them. | | | | to stay young and have a fingertip on |
| | | | developments in gaming, online activities, |
| 6. Gaming consoles like Xbox 360 have | | | | child safety and more. |