ONLINE GAMES

If you have children and a computer, then no doubt you are concerned about their access to online games. It is a fact of our times; online games are as popular to our kids as a game of pick-up baseball was to us. It is no ones fault. Our children do not live in a world were they can leave the house after breakfast, play safely in the street with whoever is out, and be home in time for dinner. Their neighborhood is the Internet, online games are their street.

Our children meet their friends on the streets of online game rooms. They are safe in their homes, but what about the streets they travel. It is our responsibility as parents to teach them how to be safe playing online games.

The first way to make the streets of online games safe, is to set limits. Many computer software programs offer parental controls where you can deny access to certain web sites. Right away you have controlled your child's ability to get to adult gaming sites. Next set limits where your child can learn self control. "You may play online games here, but not here." Purchase software for online games you approve of.

Lastly, but most importantly teach your children online game safety rules. Just as you would teach them "never talk to strangers", teach them the same on the Internet. On the Internet treat everyone as a stranger. Teach our children never to give out personal information in an online gaming room. This includes the town they live in or school they go to. You might even encourage them to give out false information on the Internet.

Following these guidelines, you can feel better when your children go out to play on the streets of online games.