When you buy a game console make sure you ask the vender about its online capabilities. Know what the equipment is capable of.
Think about the location of the game console. Keep it in a common area if possible. A family room is best for monitoring and supervision.
Discuss the risks with your child. Don’t wait for something to happen before you talk to your child about the potential risks of gaming online. Ensure they have privacy settings activated and help them to understand why this needs to be done.
Gaming sites often have ways of reporting abusive chat and blocking unwelcome contact from other users. Familiarise yourself with how the gaming sites work and make sure that your child knows how to report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. Ensure they know that they should report it to you also.
Play the games yourself to test them for appropriateness. Games often come with an age rating and while this should be used as a guide, you should also test the game yourself or play with your child to make sure you are happy for them to use it.
Ask your child what they are playing. Take an interest in your child’s gaming life – just as you would if they were in a football team in the real world. Watch them playing and always keep lines of communication open.