Parental Information – Online Gaming & Online Safety

Our school Online Safety Policy

Parental Information – Online Gaming & Online Safety

Online games are played using a computer console, and generally over the internet, using a mobile device or via an application. Online games often allow players (gamers) the ability to communicate with other ‘gamers’ online. There are a huge variety of games available.

Whilst we recognise gaming can be a fabulous method of linking up with friends and family, a source of entertainment and can facilitate development of communication skills and teamwork; online gaming can also post social and technological risks to gamers.

PEGI Ratings

Pan European Game Information (PEGI) is a European video game content rating system established to help European consumers make informed decisions when buying video games or apps through the use of age recommendations and content descriptors. Essentially, the PEGI rating on a game confirms that it contains content suitable for a certain age group and above. So a 7-rated game is suitable for everyone who is seven or older, while an 18-rated game is deemed suitable for adults only. PEGI offer a search facility to allow parents and carers to make informed decisions in regards to the content within games they feel suitable for their child(ren).

Further Information for Parents and Carers

Childline contact number 0800 11 11 .

A new online tool has been launched by Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation, which will allow the under 18s to report any nude image of themselves that have found their way onto the internet. This is simply done by creating an account with Childline and reporting a particular image.

Childnet International
Online Gaming: An introduction for parents and carers. This leaflet explores the online gaming environment and provides a wealth of safety advice.

Common Sense Media
Provides reviews for what children want to watch (before they watch it) – Trusted ratings created with families in mind.

Internet Matters.Org
Learn more about the benefits of mobile games, how children are interacting with them and the potential issues to be aware of.

NSPCC – Online Games
Advice for parents to understand the risks and help your child play online games safely.

Parental Controls

Many of you will be familiar with the more traditional gaming formats and popular consoles – Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo and PC. Internet Matters have created step by step parental control guides for smartphones, search engines, broadband, mobile networks, social media and gaming consoles to assist parents and carers in putting them in control of what content their child(ren) can see.