Understanding what motivates their gaming, whether it’s socialising with friends, expressing creativity or achieving competitive goals, will help you guide them toward healthy patterns of play.
Navigating the digital world can be challenging. To help you safeguard young people online, we’ve compiled these essential tips to help you create a safer, more positive digital environment.
1. Educate yourself
Stay informed about the games, apps and online trends that shape young people’s digital lives. Understanding their online world helps you have more meaningful conversations and better recognise both opportunities and challenges. Take time to learn about the games they play and what draws them to these experiences.
2. Foster open communication
Create an environment where young people feel comfortable sharing their online experiences without fear of judgment. When they know they can talk to you about smaller concerns, they’re more likely to seek help with bigger challenges. Show genuine interest in their gaming world and digital activities.
3. Set boundaries collaboratively
Work together to establish clear guidelines around gaming. Discuss suitable times for play that don’t interfere with sleep or schoolwork, identify age-appropriate games, and set clear expectations around in-game purchases. When young people are involved in creating these boundaries, they’re more likely to understand and respect them.
4. Use safety controls
Make use of built-in safety features and parental controls, and be transparent about why and how you’re using them.
5. Discuss online safety
Help young people understand the importance of protecting their privacy online. Have regular conversations about what information is safe to share, who they’re interacting with online, and how to recognise potential scams.
6. Encourage critical thinking
Help young people evaluate their gaming experiences thoughtfully by asking questions about how games make them feel, what they enjoy most, and how they decide when to stop playing. Support them in understanding how games are designed to keep players engaged and how to recognise when it’s time to take a break.
7. Promote positive use
Highlight the benefits of gaming and the internet for learning, creativity and social connection. Help young people understand how to make the most of these opportunities while staying mindful of potential risks.
8. Stay involved
Regularly check in on young people’s digital activities and show genuine interest in their online lives. Understanding their experiences helps you provide better support and guidance when needed.
9. Model good behaviour
Be a digital role model by practicing healthy screen habits yourself and staying engaged with your child’s online activities. Use safety controls to set boundaries together, and keep the conversation open so they feel supported.
10. Seek support
Enhance your ability to safeguard young people online by completing Ygam’s comprehensive training. You’ll gain deeper knowledge of digital trends, practical strategies for supporting young people, and tools to help prevent gaming-related harms before they develop.
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