Fact Sheet - Next Level: Empowering Your Team To Game Safely.pdf

As a parent of a teenager, it's crucial to understand that their online and offline worlds are not separate, and establishing expectations for online behaviour is vital. Recent research shows that 81% of Australian children aged 8-17 have played online games, with half interacting with individuals they haven't met in real life. To ensure online safety, research games before allowing your teenager to play, determine suitability, and encourage them to engage in their own research.

Establish rules and expectations for gaming, considering factors like bedtime and sleep quality. Prioritise online safety by teaching your teenager about privacy settings, non-identifying usernames, and vigilance against attempts to solicit personal information. Empower them to report inappropriate content and block users if necessary.

Promote positive interactions by encouraging your teenager to contribute positively to the gaming community and call out negative behaviour. Recognise that the online gaming world is connected to your teenager's offline life, and provide guidance and set expectations in both realms.

Additionally, protect your teenager from scammers by using operational security (OPSEC), password managers, unique passwords for each account, and multi-factor authentication. These essential defences are free and easy to use, and can help prevent scammers from stealing valuable virtual items or taking over accounts.

Key takeaways include researching and discussing games, fostering responsibility, prioritising online safety, promoting positive interactions, and integrating online and offline guidance. By following these tips, you can help your teenager navigate the gaming world responsibly and safely.