Our focus this issue is on gaming - what does that mean in a Web 2.0 age? We’re not talking Monopoly, kickball or even Ms. Pac Man anymore; when people talk about “gaming,” they mean computer games, online games, and virtual reality games. What do parents and teachers need to know about gaming, and how can they use that knowledge to help kids “game” smartly and safely?
This issue tackles those questions from a variety of viewpoints. In From the Experts, Internet safety expert Sharon Cindrich discusses the pros and cons of children gaming for education and entertainment. In Parents’ Corner, parent Rich Wood gives us his perspective on how to responsibly parent kids who love to game. Our Teacher’s Desk piece features Peg Sheehy, an ITF/Media Specialist and virtual world educator, explaining how virtual world “gaming” can help prepare students for 21st century success. And in our Youth Voices segment Internet safety expert Sharon Cindrich interviews youngsters Henry and Maddie about why they love gaming, and how they work with adults to stay safe.
We’ll continue to cover the topic of gaming and kids’ safety here at bNetS@vvy; you’ll find ongoing information at the Gaming section of our site. We also suggest that you check out Common Sense Media’s Games page, to help you select appropriate games for your child and keep your gaming child safer online. You may also want to visit Microsoft’s public service website Get Game Smart or peruse their list of tips for parents of gamers which includes advice for helping kids cope with gaming cyberbullies and “griefers.”
Be sure also to take a look at some new downloadable, easy-to-print tools now featured on bNetS@vvy. Each tool was created by the Family Online Safety Institute, a leader in Internet safety efforts.
- A Family Online Safety Contract, to help parents establish rules and set limits for their children’s online activity.
- A Children’s Bill of Rights for the Internet, to help kids see that they deserve and should demand safety online.
- The Parents’ Child Protection Guide for the Internet, which offers “Ten Things You Can Do Today to Protect Your Children on the Internet.”
Thanks for reading, and let us know about your tips/strategies for gaming, and Internet/social technology safety. We’re always looking for new contributors to bNetS@vvy, and we invite you to share your stories with us by emailing internetsafety@nea.org. Together we can help young teens make the most of technology - more safely.
Sincerely,
Mary Esselman, editor, bNetS@vvy
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