Online gaming is an increasingly popular activity for kids and teens. It can be challenging for parents to manage their child’s gaming habits, particularly if they are struggling with feelings like anger or aggression towards others and themselves.
Many games allow players to interact with each other by chatting. It is important that you discuss this with your children and agree rules around who they can chat with and what kind of language they can use.
1. Know the Game
A virtual world is a computer-simulated environment, often 3D in nature, that is populated by many users who can create and communicate with other avatars. A virtual world may be based on real-life or fanciful places, and it allows the user to interact with other users in real time via text or voice.
A key feature of virtual worlds is the https://147.139.167.101/ sense of “presence” that they provide the user, wherein their representation in the world is visible to others and whereby other users can sense when the player arrives or departs from the world. This is the fundamental feature that distinguishes virtual worlds from traditional video games.
This paper introduces a framework for defining virtual worlds which considers the experience of being in the world and the technical features that afford this. The relationships between commonly confused terms and technologies are also explored, providing much needed conceptual clarity for educators and researchers.
2. Talk to Your Child
Gaming is a social experience and it’s important that children feel supported and respected for this desire to connect with their online peers. Having healthy conversations about gaming will strengthen your relationship and help them develop independence and self-responsibility.
Talk to your child about the content of their games and establish family rules that align with Australian classification recommendations. Make sure they know that it is important to never share personal information online and only play with people you trust.
Encourage them to share their accomplishments and missions with you. Gamers are often goal-oriented and will be able to tell you about their plans to unlock new characters, beat a level or get a new reward. Show your interest in their passion and they will be more open to discussions about the risks associated with gaming.
3. Set Limits
Video games can improve problem-solving skills, fine and gross motor coordination and reaction times. They can also teach persistence toward a goal and socialization with other players. But these benefits are only possible if gaming is moderated.
Virtual worlds are based on the concept of co-presence, wherein users are represented in a shared space with others who can see them. While this makes them a different experience from traditional games, it does not mean that they are “real” spaces.
Despite the popularity of immersive VR (virtual reality), it can be dangerous for children to use because it allows them to navigate the internet and scroll through social media. Moreover, Oculus has no in-device settings that can help parents set limits. To prevent these issues, parents can encourage their children to participate in other creative activities like building with LEGOs, for instance.
4. Monitor Your Child’s Activity
When it comes to monitoring children’s online gaming, the key is communication. Keeping lines of communication open will encourage your kids to talk about their gaming activities and allow you to address concerns before they escalate.
Determine with your children https://68.183.15.14/ how long is appropriate to play each day and agree on other activities that can replace gaming time. Make sure they understand that they should report strangers and other players who exhibit inappropriate behavior such as bullying or cyberbullying.
Discuss how to keep personal information private while gaming and encourage them not to use real names for their game profiles or passwords. Show your kids how to block other players who send them upsetting messages. You can also discuss how to monitor gaming purchases if you’re concerned about money spending.
5. Educate Yourself
The more you know about your child’s favourite online games, the more equipped you are to help them navigate them safely. This includes knowing about the social aspects of online gaming and how to encourage healthy relationships in-game.
It’s important for kids to understand that just like in the real world, online predators prey on children. Explaining how to spot a potential threat, such as a stranger hiding behind a fake profile or a bully, is essential for your kids’ mental health and wellbeing.
Encourage your kids to participate in multiplayer games that promote teamwork and collaboration. This will teach them vital communication skills and allow them to build positive online relationships.
