Online gaming refers to any video game that offers online interaction with other players. Video games used to be categorized using the PEGI online content descriptor to indicate whether or not they were online. However, since most games now provide online interaction, this distinction is no longer used.
What still differs from a game is the level of interaction offered. How much information players share and how many people they interact with are two key factors parents need to be aware of.
Online games are important to understand because they offer a tremendous amount of entertainment, fun, collaboration, cooperation, and creative adventure. When played correctly, they make an important contribution to development and socialization.
What you need to know about games
- Games are a fun and sociable way to pass the time, encouraging teamwork and skill development. This is all well and good, but there are a few things to be aware of:
- Some games allow kids to play and socialize with anyone in the world. This means they may encounter profanity and bullying.
- Not everyone online is who they say they are. Children should avoid revealing personal information that could identify them or their whereabouts.
- Some games encourage players to buy extra items as lootboxes while playing – children have been known to put up big scores without realizing it.
- In extreme cases, bullying (also known as “griefing”), can be used as a tactic to win games. Children can be bullied or bullied in a number of ways
- Get involved by finding out what games your child likes and making sure they are age-appropriate
- It can be difficult to stop some games mid-battle as there are penalties for quitting and children may feel they are letting their teammates down.
