Internet Matters Suggests Parents to Play Online Games with Children to Ease Safety Concerns

UK online safety group Internet Matters has said that parents should take up online gaming in order to better understand the benefits and risks of the activity for their children.

New research published by the group suggests that more than half of parents (55%) worry strangers will contact their child through online gaming platforms, and over a third (38%) are unsure who their children are playing with online.

Internet Matters has published a new online hub of resources for parents to provide them with information about the risks and benefits of playing video games online and encourages them to join in with their children.

“We know that parents who regularly get involved with their children’s activities online are better placed to lead them through some of the issues they may face. We’re encouraging parents to do something that may well go against their nature and have a go – get involved. With an overwhelming majority of children playing online games now, it has become part and parcel of growing up in the digital age,” Internet Matters chief executive Carolyn Bunting said.

The new online guidance from Internet Matters includes suggestions for video games that are acceptable to be played by the whole family.

“The breadth of games on offer is huge. Beyond popular games like FIFA, Fortnite and Minecraft, there are experiences that address every subject. From the lighthearted joy of speed in Alto’s Adventure, to the highs and lows of love in Florence to the heartbreaking refugee tale in Bury Me My Love,” Andy Robertson, Internet Matters’ gaming expert said.

“With the right guidance you can find games you’ll be keen to play and share with your children. By getting involved, you can help capitalise on the benefits, celebrate their online gaming successes and even make recommendations about what games they could play next,” Andy Robertson added.