Gaming: What is appropriate for your child?

As part of Safer Internet Day, at school we have been discussing how to stay safe online whilst playing games. It has been brought to our attention that some children are playing games which may not be suitable for their age. It is vital that you monitor the games your child plays and ensure that all of its content is suitable for your child.

All games released in the UK will have one of the following PEGI age ratings on the packaging: 3, 7, 12, 16 or 18. The rating means that the game shouldn’t be played by a young person under that age.

Why? Because there may be content within the game which could potentially be harmful, frightening or worrying to children. As well as an age rating, PEGI also uses icons showing content descriptors, letting you know if a game contains: violence, drugs, bad language, discrimination, fear, gambling, sex, or in-app purchases.

Before giving your child permission to play a game, we recommend that you check the age rating and suitability. | Pegi Public Site will tell you all the information you need about the content of the game.

If you need more support or guidance with online safety please contact a staff member or send us an email newdale.primary@taw.org.uk

In school next week, your children will be learning about how to stay safe online as part of Safer Internet Day. The theme this year is:

All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online

What is livestreaming?

Livestreaming is broadcasting to an audience in ‘real time’. The audience can leave comments, give likes to the person who is streaming and, in some cases, ‘gift’ the streamer. Some platforms let several people livestream at the same time.

Children and teenagers are likely to have spent more time on livestreaming and video apps in the last few years. While many children will be using these apps to talk to friends or family, some children may be talking to people they don’t know, or sharing personal information without realising.

What can make live streaming risky?

There are several factors that can make watching or creating live streams risky for children and young people.

• Content. If they’re watching other people’s live streams, children could be exposed to age inappropriate content, including sexual or violent content.
• Offensive comments. If a young person’s live stream is open to the public, viewers may be able to leave negative or inappropriate comments on feeds.
• Live streaming is ‘in the moment’. Live streaming is ‘in the moment’ which increases the risk of children and young people acting on impulse.
• Do things they wouldn’t do offline. Children, like adults, can feel more confident when they are online as they feel protected by the screen. This can result in them saying or doing something they’d be less likely to do offline.
• Digital footprints. If a live streamer makes a mistake, shares personal details, or broadcasts offensive or inappropriate material, they are doing so in public. It’s possible for viewers to record a livestream, and it could be posted online or shared more widely.
• Inappropriate contact. There can be hundreds, potentially thousands, of people watching a live stream, including people who might be looking to hurt or exploit children and young people.

How you can help your child stay safe while live streaming

If you need more support or guidance with online safety please contact a staff member or send us an email newdale.primary@taw.org.uk