What is interactive gaming and what are the risks?
Interactive games are no longer just about one person playing against their computer. Now, with access to the internet, mobiles and games consoles, you can play against multiple players from around the world. In some cases, you can even use a headset to chat with other players during the game.
Did you know?
Almost three-quarters of 12-15 year olds in the UK have a games console in their bedroom and one in eight say they mostly play games with other people over the internet (Source: Ofcom Children's Media Literacy Report, March 2010)
This kind of 'community gaming' is considered by some to be better for young people than playing games alone, but there are some risks.
Your students could access games that are not age-appropriate (eg containing violent content) or come across offensive language from older players, for example. They could be the victim of cyberbullying or griefing or give away personal information that would make them vulnerable to strangers making contact in the real world.
The Byron Review acknowledges that "there is no single solution to the problem of children and young people playing games” and calls for a sophisticated approach to classifying games and managing access to them (Source: The Byron Review, March 2008).
Fortunately, many leading games, internet and mobile providers provide parental controls and privacy tools. For example, Microsoft provides Xbox LIVE users with a 'voice mask' to disguise their voice when they chat during games - particularly useful for younger players and female players - and also enables them to block messages from certain players.
Games are often rated by providers based on the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system - eg "12+" for children aged 12 and over - so that parents can make informed decisions about their children's games.
For live multi-player gaming, many leading providers also offer reporting features so that users can notify them about disruptive or offensive behaviour from other players.
If your students enjoy interactive gaming, recommend that they check the built-in safety and privacy features on the websites, mobiles or consoles that they use. You can find a list of some of the leading providers here.
You could also introduce digital games into your classroom as an educational and motivational resource. European Schoolnet carried out extensive research into the use of digital games in schools in 2009, which confirms the positive impact of game-based learning in the right environment. With support from the Interactive Software Federation of Europe, European Schoolnet has also produced a handbook for teachers about Digital Games in Schools.
Where can I find out more?
- Direct your students to the Chatdanger website for more information.
- Check out the websites of the interactive games companies - Microsoft Xbox provides a ‘Family Guide' on interactive gaming, for example.
- Click here for our tips on privacy and personal safety.
- Visit the Games in Schools website for more information about using video games, computer games and online games in your school.