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Quick Summary

• Online games can foster positive traits in children from a young age, such as developing imagination, encouraging teamwork, and strategic thinking.
• What you need to ensure is that the games are age-appropriate for your child. And, of course, it’s crucial to monitor their gaming time to prevent screen addiction.
• Thanks to criteria set by organisations like ESRB and PEGI, you can gain insights into the content of these games before purchasing them.
• When it comes to preventing screen addiction, you’re not alone. Parental control systems are there to support digital parents

One of the risks your child may face online is the risks present in the gaming environment. Each age has its characteristics, perceptions, and needs. While playing games is a healthy habit for children of all ages, the content and quality of these games matter. We previously provided detailed information on this topic in our article, “A Comprehensive Social Media Safety Guide for Concerned Parents”. In this article, we will discuss methods to ensure safety in online games for children.

Online Gaming Safety and Potential Risks for Children

• The Importance of Age: Today’s technology allows many children’s games to be available on tablets and phones. The myriad of children’s games available in the digital realm are designed to strengthen their cognitive development and assist in easier learning. For example, puzzle games can sharpen analytical skills. Games that focus on storytelling can help develop vocabulary and acquire new skills.
• Risk of Inappropriate Content: It’s essential to remember that children may not always effectively distinguish between the virtual and real world like adults. Games with violent, frightening, and complex content can alter your child’s behaviour. It can negatively impact their understanding of relationships and create unfounded fears.
• Risks Related to Social Interaction: Multiplayer games can help your child socialise with peers in a common area of interest. It can also teach the value of team focus and strengthen communication skills. However, not all multiplayer environments may be suitable for your child. It’s crucial to remember that not everyone online has good intentions; there are risks related to explicit discussions and cyberbullying.
• Control of Screen Time: Features of online games that trigger excitement can make your child want to play continuously. Spending extended periods in front of a screen is one of the major risks concerning online gaming safety. This habit, especially when developed at school age or earlier, can become increasingly hard to change.

Understanding and Evaluating Age Limit Ratings in Games

Two of the most commonly used systems to understand and ensure online gaming safety by age groups are the North American ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) and European PEGI (Pan European Game Information). Knowing these ratings can help you easily assess if the games you purchase for your child are suitable.

ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board)

Introduced in 1994, the ESRB classification is an age-appropriateness rating used in American-distributed games. Parents can check this label when buying games for their children to gain insight into the game’s content and make informed choices.

ESRB Ratings are as follows:

• E: Suitable for all ages -everyone. Can contain minimal and imaginative violent elements that won’t negatively affect children’s mental development.
• E10+: Suitable for everyone aged 10 and older. May contain more fantasy violence.
• T for Teens: Suitable for those aged 13 and older. Can contain violence, coarse humour, and profanity.
• M 17+: Suitable for ages 17 and up. May contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and strong language.
• AO: Content suitable only for adults. Might contain intense violent scenes or sexual content.
• RP: Represents content awaiting rating. It doesn’t have a final ESRB rating yet.

PEGI (Pan European Game Information)

Introduced in 2003, PEGI provides age and content ratings for games in Europe.

Age categories are:

• 3+: Suitable for those aged 3 and up.
• 7+: Suitable for ages 7 and older.
• 12+: Suitable for those aged 12 and older.
• 16+: Suitable for ages 16 and up.
• 18+: Suitable for those aged 18 and older.

How Can You Determine Suitable Content for Your Child’s Age?

Here is some facts and tips about online gaming safety:

Thinking Beyond Ratings

PEGI and ESRB ratings are crucial criteria for evaluating if games are suitable for children. However, every child is unique in their character and perception of the world. You can research games, gain insights, and seek support from the “Safety Guides” category where we provide short and informative content about different games. We regularly update our blog for you.

Visit the Official Websites of the Games

Game websites are ideal for watching game snippets and learning about age appropriateness ratings. You can also visit the official websites for more information about games.

Stay Updated

Game developers may release updates or downloadable content (DLC) that could change the game’s nature. It’s important to ensure that these changes remain suitable for children.

Get Support from Nutcracker

Safety in online games may be a significant concern for you. However, due to reasons like a busy work schedule, monitoring age-appropriate online gaming safety can be challenging. Parental control systems can help ensure the safety of games even when you’re not around. You can be assured that your child plays age-appropriate games.

Nurcracker has control not only in online games but also in console games, ensuring your child is exposed to age-appropriate game content. It groups games suitable for your child’s age and filters out inappropriate content, keeping your children safe! Check out now.