♠♣ ONLINE GAMING ♥♦
These days you can play a variety of games on all types of different devices.
They’re all very different but, whatever the game and whatever the device laptop, phone, games console, the rules are the same and you must follow them to keep you safe and maintain your SOL.
Follow our top tips below and our guidance to support you in becoming a top but safe gamer and to make sure GAMING is FUN for all.
TOP TIPS FOR GAMING TO GIVE YOU SOL
- You can find out whether a game is suitable for your age group by googling it or if it’s a boxed game, there is usually an age rating on the back which informs you and your parents or carers.
- There are often terms and conditions of the sites that you use so read them and check if there are any special safety features for you to adhere to.
- If you need to set up a user profile make sure to include all the correct and truthful details for someone your age.
- Tell your parents or carers your gamertag and show them how to access your online account so they can help you if something goes wrong.
- Be organised and plan your time well. It’s easy to start playing a game and then realise two hours later that you are still gaming. Put together a timetable of your day including before and after school. Set out times for homework, dinner, outside activities etc.
- Never ever tell someone you name, age, school or address. It’s very easy to think that you have become friends whilst speaking to someone on-line but apart from playing the same game, they could tell you anything which may not be true about themselves.
SCREENSHOTS
You can always screen shot what you see on your computer screen by pressing the ‘Print Scr‘ button.
This can help you if you need to report someone being unkind to you, sending you harmful files or if you see any images/content that you feel are upsetting.
5,4,3,2,1….KEEP POSITIVE!
I know from listening to my son and observing the children that I teach that it is very easy to become annoyed and irritated when you are playing a game. Use the counting back from 5 technique before you make an angry outburst. Gaming is supposed to be fun – keep positive!
GAMERTAGS – XxLILMISSPURFECTxX
Does your username or gamertag reveal any personal information about? It is easy to want to personalise these as we are usually playing with our friends from school. Our TOP TIP though is to go with a completely different tag or username to remain anonymous to others.
CONSOLES
By using any console there is a risk that you may get a virus. According to Webopedia, ‘a computer virus is a program or piece of code that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge and runs against your wishes. Viruses can also replicate themselves. All computer viruses are man-made’. Speak to your parents/carers and see whether they can help you check your settings. Install antivirus software.
REMEMBER TO HAVE SOL AND STAY SMART ONLINE
If you are experiencing anything that worries you on-line report it either on the website that you are on or tell a trusted adult, your parent or carer.