Kids and Online Games

The kids are home for summer, that surely isn't news but have you taken steps to make sure they are safe while you are at work. You have set rules for the older kids and have them watch the younger ones. You have the neighbors watching over them or have hired someone to be with them during the day. Have you set some rules for Internet use while you are gone. Now is the time to do so. Take the time to have the discussion about what is acceptable behavior when they are online. Remember, the games on X-box and other games have the ability to connect with other players online. Online predators can use this venue to contact and communicate with your kids.

Parents need to set the parental controls on these devices to make sure they know what their kids are capable of doing when they are online. Parents should also check their computers and gaming machines occasionally to see if their kids have changed the controls to give them more access. Many kids are very adept at getting around the controls. So, next time you get off work early, give the machines a check to see if they have hacked around the controls you have set. Click here for a link on how to set parental controls on your Xbox. If you have other game sets do a Google search on the brand you have to find instructions or drop a note here and we can get some posted. Have a great summer