Parenting
THE ONLINE GAMES YOUR KIDS LOVE – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW & DO TO ENSURE THEY’RE PLAYING SAFELY Research shows the vast majority of Australian children and teenagers have access to the Internet, and many are using it for gaming too. Gaming is a hot topic here in Australia. It’s a popular pastime for lots of people, not just kids. Many parents fear their children are or will become addicted, and wonder what their children are being exposed to as the language and conversations online are frequently colourful. Not knowing what they’re doing and with whom has many parents confused and scared. So what guidance can we give? How much time is long is too long to be online? What are rules around gaming when your kids are telling you they’re “just playing with their friends” – but online – because, let’s be real here, this is how many of our kids now connect with their friends. Online gaming does have some benefits but it’s important that parents assist their kids by getting their heads around the games they’re playing and the risks that are present. When you have some idea of what your kids are doing and why they love it, it makes it so much easier to have open conversations with them about what they’re doing online and with whom. Here are our 5 most popular online games and our tips on what you can do to help manage your kids’ safety while online.
FORTNITE: BATTLE ROYALE What is it? Fortnite is arguably the most played and talked about gaming sensation ever. Its popularity is immense and people of ages play. At its essence, Fortnite: Battle Royale is a free game (though trust me you will be asked for very real money by your child at some point for outfits, extra ammunition, dance moves and more) and it pits up to 100 players against each other with the goal to be the last one standing. The game enables users to team up, loot from others, build structures to climb or protect themselves, and battle, while the war zone is reducing in size forcing players to confront each other.
PUBG OR PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS What is it? PBUG is not unlike Fortnite in that it’s a first-person shooter game, with 100 players all fighting to be the last one standing; kill or be killed. PUBG doesn’t have any building elements in the game but it does have vehicles. Players can drive cars, boats, motorcycles and more as they move around the map.
M: Violence and online activity. Moderate impact violence with mild impact themes.
What should parents be aware of? Parents need to be aware that children can talk to strangers in the game and that swearing and inappropriate language is common. Whilst the violence isn’t explicit due to the cartoon nature of the game, make no mistake this game is kill or be killed. As mentioned above the game is free but the swag is not, so if you do buy your child some V-Bucks to spend online it is strongly suggested that you remove your card details from the system straight after to avoid unintentional purchases later down the track.
What is it rated? MA15+: Strong violence and online activity. Strong impact violence and moderate impact themes.
What should parents be aware of?
PBUG is far more realistic and graphic than Fortnite. It’s grittier and the deaths are bloodier.
Due to the game being more raw, the language used by players tends to be more profane. The online interactions are often quite obscene and offensive, due in part to the average player being a little older. This chat feature can be turned off in the settings and it’s advised that parents check the options available and set them as appropriate for you and your child.
ROBLOX
What is it rated?
What is it? Roblox is a huge online platform where players create and interact in what its makers describe as “immersive 3D worlds.” Although Roblox is visually not as appealing as many other games, it attracts millions of players together online where they create their own worlds and play in other’s worlds too. Roblox is a free game but if you want to furnish your house or buy an outfit then real money will be required.
16
What is it rated?
Your Local Families Magazine December 2018 / January 2019
PG: Mild violence and online activity. Mild impact violence and very mild impact themes.
What should parents be aware of? Parents should watch out for user created games and rooms. Players invite each other into their rooms and houses and this is when things can get inappropriate. Adult content and violence have been found and strangers routinely approach players. It’s important that you setup and use the available privacy settings and account restrictions. The online chat is difficult to monitor due to how Roblox allows users to engage, so check the settings and set age appropriate boundaries for the game.
