Instructions for playing safe games for young children

Parents are more wary of letting their children use computers because they are aware of the potential risks in them, but some people think that even gaming systems are as entertaining as PS3, Nintendo Wii, and the Xbox 360 also has those risks .

When children use game systems like PS3, Nintendo Wii, and Xbox 360, parents need to know some of the safety principles outlined below. But the best way is that parents need to participate directly in the games to understand how they work to take appropriate precautions. Like other sports activities, playing games is one of the most favorite activities of young children today. Therefore, you need to ensure that all relevant elements are handled safely.

Outside safety

There is nothing safer when buying the right gaming device and choosing the right game disc. Some of the following guidelines will help you do this.

* Using wireless controllers : Most game consoles now have wireless controllers, but older systems (such as PS2) are not available. The use of jagged wiring in gaming devices can harm children, or create potential safety risks. Therefore, it is better to have a home with fewer children in the house.

* Hot precaution : New game consoles often emit a lot of heat during operation. The heat that PS3 emits while running can reach 54oC, while Xbox 360 is 46oC. To minimize the risk of burns for young children, you need to put systems that play this game out of the reach of children. It is best to use cooling systems or protection rings to reduce the temperature of the game console and avoid unfortunate circumstances.

* Lock the cabinet : This is to prevent children from being in contact with the inside parts of the game console, avoiding the risk of electric shock or device malfunction.

* To put the game disc in the shelf : To keep the game discs running more durable, you need to use the specialized set of discs. In addition, it is also to prevent players from tampering with game disks.

* Installing game console : In fact, young children may know about this more than you, but if you do not set up the parental control mode on your own, you will not be able to interfere on the system yourself system.

Safe in the game

Only healthy game content creates integrated gaming experiences. Many parents only allow their children to play 'innocuous' games (the lowest rated game on the level of harm). However, you also need to learn about the game ratings to choose for your child the appropriate games (depending on age).

* ESRB rating system :

- EC: For children around 3 years old;
- E: For children 6 years and older;
- E10 +: For children 10 years and older '
- T: For ages 13 and older;
- M: For ages 17 and over;
- Adults only: For ages 18 and older.

In addition to the above ranking criteria, some games also provide information regarding concentration, violence, tobacco, gambling, and sex. The ESRB indicators describe specific criteria, and depending on your child's age, select the appropriate game disc. Of course, there is no specific way to control what your child is saying and doing online, but at least you must know which game your child is playing, and whether it is 'fresh'.

Safe online

The following guidelines will apply to the three most popular game consoles today: the Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and PS3 when playing over the Internet.

Microsoft Xbox 360 :

1. In the Xbox Dashboard section, go to the System tab - Family Settings - Console Controls ;

2. Choose Game Ratings , increase the level of ESRB ratings appropriate for your child;

3. Go to Set Pass Code and enter the login code and the questions & answers section to prevent you from forgetting your password;

4. Click Done in the Set Pass Code and Console Controls section to save the changes;

5. Select Yes and Save Changes to activate the new properties.

In addition, you can also use the Console Controls feature to:

1. Enable the Family Timer feature to limit the time to use the game console;
2. Limit using Microsoft Xbox Live online service;
3. Limited viewing movies;
4. Prevent the display of prohibited content (such as downloading games, watching video trailers and demos) in Xbox Live Marketplace and Inside Xbox;
5. Set up a separate Xbox Live account for each family member;

You can also use Xbox Live Controls (in the Family Settings section) to:

1. Control access to online games (choose online Gameplay);
2. Manage your child's communication settings (choose Privacy and Friends).

Nintendo Wii :

The Wii is the safest platform currently available to children because Nintendo has designed features that allow parents to fully control the gaming system.

1. From the Wii Menu, choose Wii Options and then Wii Settings . Click on the blue arrow to the right until it reaches the Wii System Settings 2 section .

2. Select Parental Controls - Yes .

3. Create a PIN number (including 4 numbers), and click OK . Then create a secret question to prevent you from forgetting your PIN. Done and click OK .

4. Select Game Settings - PIN , then Highest Game Rating Allowed . Click OK , Confirm , and Settings Complete to save the changes.

In addition, you can also use the Other Settings menu under the Parental Controls section to:

1. Prevent use of Wii Points in the Wii Shop Channel section;
2. Online chat restrictions;
3. Prevent the use of Internet Channel and News Channel.

To play online with another player, both must exchange and store their Wii numbers and Mii names in the Address Books section. The Wii symbol numbers for each device can be found in the Address Book. Parents should regularly check this section to find out who their children are communicating with.

Sony PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable (PSP) :

1. In the main menu, go to Settings - Security Settings . You can then use the Parental Control menu to restrict game play on the system (the higher the level, the greater the limit).

2. In Security Settings , select Internet Browser Start Control , then select on to block access to the Internet .

3. Like other game consoles, the parental control function is usually set with a 4-digit password. During the installation process, please change the default password (0000) to your own password (go to Security Settings and select Change Password ). You enter the default password and new password to change.

4. From the above menu, you can also lock access to movies rated by MPAA .

With the PlayStation Network system , you can set the default mode to lock content and limit chat with other players based on age. Or you can create different accounts for each different player for easier and more effective management.