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