Kids Gaming. Everywhere you look, kids are hooked on gaming, whether it’s on phones, consoles, tablets, or computers. And hey, gaming’s got its perks, like boosting coordination and problem-solving skills. But let’s face it, there are downsides too—think addiction and online bullying. In the UK alone, about 12% of young folks get tangled up in online bullying, says the UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC).

For parents, dealing with gaming’s impact isn’t always a walk in the park. Take Rachael, a mom from London, whose 16-year-old son dives headfirst into gaming and happens to have ADHD. When he started gaming at 11, things turned sour real quick. Losing made him blow his top, resulting in a lot of throwing, banging, and hitting stuff. And sports-related gaming? It was off the charts. “Boys go mad on it,” Rachael says. “Plus, it’s super addictive and can drain your wallet if they start splurging on it.”

Online Game

UKSIC flags an important thing for parents: the chat functions in online games. That’s where gamers can chat it up with other players. Sometimes it’s a free-for-all with typed comments, and other times, you get preset phrases. And oh, there are those public chats where everyone’s in on the action.

Bullying? Yeah, it can happen in games too, not just on social media. Nasty comments, targeting other players—it’s all there. Luckily, most games have reporting and blocking features to help if your kid’s dealing with online bullying.

Rachael had her hands full trying to handle her son’s gaming obsession and the way it got him all riled up. But she got crafty. The PlayStation moved to her bedroom to keep an eye on things, especially after finding out he was playing with strangers. Plus, in calmer moments, she’d sit down with him and chat about what was making him tick, the anger, and the frustration. “We managed to work through it eventually,” she says.

Tips for Parents in the Same Boat

Got a kid sailing in the same gaming boat? UKSIC suggests talking it out with your child. Figure out what they love about gaming—it’s important to understand why it’s got them hooked. And instead of bashing gaming as a bad habit, try highlighting the good stuff that comes with moderation. Did you know that 74% of young gamers reckon gaming helps them with skills like concentration and teamwork?

Not a gaming expert? No worries. UKSIC’s got your back with detailed info on games and consoles like Roblox and Nintendo. Knowing your stuff helps big time when chatting with your kids about their favorite games. And hey, hit up your internet provider too. They might have tools like Wi-Fi controls and parental setups to make gaming safer.

Making Gaming Safer with EE

Looking for ways to keep gaming safe and sound? EE’s got your back. They’ve got this GameSmart website that reviews 50 popular console games and rates them, so you can decide if they’re cool for your kids.

Tech solutions? EE’s loaded with them. With their Wi-Fi controls, you can hit pause on the internet at certain times—like bedtime or when you want your kids off screens. You can even slap on content filters and extra parental controls. And organizing devices into groups like ‘Kids’? That’s a piece of cake.

Setting gaming schedules for your kids? Make their gaming experience top-notch. EE’s game mode, accessible through their app, lets you tinker with settings like ‘Ping Optimiser’ to keep the game running smooth. Server Thailand. Plus, their Wi-Fi enhancer sorts network traffic to keep those gaming sessions glitch-free. Want more? The Geo Filter locks onto the best server while booting out the laggy ones.

So there you have it—a casual rundown on gaming safety for parents. Easy peasy!