In today’s technology-driven world, online gaming has become extremely popular among children due to its engaging challenges, but this can lead to addiction as games are accessible on various platforms like PCs, consoles, and mobile devices, allowing children to play anywhere, anytime. The pandemic has further increased children’s use of mobile devices and the internet, exacerbating the problem. Online gaming addiction, recognized as a gaming disorder, stems from the progressively complex game levels that push players to continue playing. Additionally, gaming companies often compel children to make in-app purchases. Consequently, the Central Government has issued an advisory to parents and teachers to help mitigate the negative effects of online gaming and manage the associated mental and physical stress on children.
Don’ts
- In-app Purchases: Do not allow in-game purchases without parental consent. Adopt OTP-based payment methods as recommended by RBI to avoid unauthorized transactions.
- Credit/Debit Card Registration: Avoid registering credit or debit cards on apps for subscriptions and set a spending limit per transaction.
- Direct Purchases: Prevent children from making direct purchases from the devices they use for gaming.
- Downloads from Unknown Sites: Advise children against downloading software and games from unknown websites.
- Clicking Unknown Links: Warn them about clicking on links, images, and pop-ups as they may contain viruses or inappropriate content.
- Sharing Personal Information: Instruct children not to share personal information online, especially with strangers or through gaming profiles.
- Communication with Strangers: Advise against communicating with strangers via webcam, private messaging, or online chat to avoid the risk of online abuse or bullying.
- Prolonged Gaming Sessions: Discourage long gaming sessions without breaks to prevent health issues and addiction.
Do’s
- Reporting Issues: If something inappropriate occurs while gaming, stop immediately, take a screenshot (click on the print screen button), and report it.
- Protecting Privacy: Help your child use a screen name that does not reveal their real identity.
- Security Measures: Use antivirus and spyware programs and configure web browsers securely with a firewall.
- Parental Controls: Activate parental controls and safety features on devices and browsers to restrict access to certain content and limit in-game spending.
- Monitoring Interactions: Notify if a stranger tries to initiate an inappropriate conversation or request personal information.
- Age Ratings: Check the age rating of games your child is playing.
- Handling Bullying: Encourage your child not to respond to bullying, keep records of harassment, and report the behaviour to game administrators. Use options to block, mute, or unfriend offenders.
- Playing Together: Play alongside your child to understand their online interactions and ensure they handle their personal information safely.
- Understanding Game Mechanics: Explain to your child how some game features are designed to encourage more play and spending and discuss the concept and consequences of gambling.
- Family Space Internet Use: Ensure your child accesses the internet from a family-shared computer space.
Signs to Watch for
For parents:
- Unusual secrecy about online activities.
- A sudden increase in time spent online, particularly on social media.
- Changing screens quickly when approached.
- Becoming withdrawn or angry after internet use.
- A sudden influx of new phone numbers and email contacts on their device.
For Teachers:
- Monitor students’ grades and social behaviour for any signs of concern.
- Report any suspicious or alarming behaviour to school authorities.
- Educate students on the benefits and risks of internet use.
- Train students on secure web browser and application configurations.
- Reporting Incidents:
- For reporting any untoward incidents, use the following resources:
Reporting Incidents
National Helpline – https://cybercrime.gov.in/Webform/Helpline.aspx
State wise Nodal Officers – https://cybercrime.gov.in/Webform/Crime_NodalGrivanceList.aspx
By following these guidelines, parents and teachers can help ensure that children enjoy online gaming safely and responsibly.