If your kids play online computer games (such as Runescape or World of Warcraft) or PlayStation, Nintendo or Xbox games that are networked with other players (like Halo 3 for Xbox 360 ), here's what you need to know to keep them (and your family's computer and personal information) safe and sound.
#1 Keep personal information private.
Teach kids not to divulge personal details about themselves online to players they haven't met in person--period. On the permanent no-fly list: real names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses and which school they attend.
Game account information deserves the same level of security. Don't let children share their accounts and passwords with other players. Sharing accounts puts so much on the line: security of other information (you don't use the same password for sensitive log-ins, do you?), personal details, credit card and financial information, not to mention hard-earned in-game gear, game money and rewards.
Most children will protest this policy vigorously, especially if they believe the people they play with online to be the same age as they are. It's important for you to help them understand that while the internet is not inherently fraught with risk, there are people out there who deliberately seek to lure information from young players by pretending to be the same gender, age, a sympathetic teacher or authority figure, or some other person who elicits trust.
#2 Approve your child's screen name.
Character name, tag, ID--whatever your young players choose to call themselves in game, make sure you approve. The main thing you want to avoid is divulging personal information such as real names or identifying details.
But there are plenty of other reasons to keep an eye on what your child is called in-game. What does your child's screen name say about the player behind the screen? Hopefully, nothing about age or gender. And hopefully nothing inappropriate. Teens, especially, may be tempted by the siren lure of internet anonymity to come up with a screen name that's way past the boundaries of what you'd consider socially acceptable language. If you looks fine to you, Google it anyway--you may be in for a surprise.
