Is your child's video game console a portal for possible online predators? The Doctors welcome digital safety expert Titania Jordan, who shares about how parents can keep their kids safe while playing games online.
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She explains that it is very easy for someone to create a fake account and go online and interact with children via a video game. She suggests these tips:
- Do not allow your child to have a game console in their room. She says having it in a common space will create more visibility and possibly cut down on possible problems.
- Make sure your child knows that no one online needs to know their real name, address, where they attend school, activities they participate in or their age.
- Ensure kids know they can come to you and tell if you anything troubling occurs while playing online games.
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Titania also suggests that parents be versed in the gaming console and its online aspects. She says it is good to know if your child can chat with other players while playing games or share photos. She also stresses that kids should not interact with strangers while playing games online.
"You don't need to know how to pass every level, but know the risks," she says, adding that parents should have an age-appropriate conversation with their child about potential risks in the video game world.
