Children's Online Games
Steve Hall
While the World Wide Web expands, more and more individuals are
getting online for all of their necessities and for their
enjoyment. Online games are just one of the many different ways
to enjoy the internet. But, there is a newer trend happening
right now. Instead of just throwing our attentions to online
gaming atmospheres, we can also allow our children to enjoy the
wider world of entertaining online. But, is it safe? And, even
if it is, should we allow our children to be using online gaming
at all? Is it any better than them sitting in front of a
television?
Many parents simply do not have the time to monitor all the
activity their children are having online. All parents need to
know that there are many predators online that are seeking out
our youngsters. But, there are ways to prevent them from coming
near to our children. For example, in online gaming rooms, you
can easily disable chatting and interaction. You can also
disable instant messages as well. Yet, an even more effective
manner for protecting our children while they are online is to
simply keep the computer they will be using right in the living
room, the kitchen or in any area that is open where you can see
what's going on just by turning your head. When parents are
aware of what is going on while their children are online, they
can keep their children better protected. And, it’s never too
soon to talk to your children about stranger danger even on the
computer.
Okay, but what about the gaming? Should we allow our children
online to play games?
It is important to break down some age levels here. For children
who are young, it is essential to allow them time to learn about
computers, but you need to do it in a one on one situation. In
these cases, there are many games that are actually quite
beneficial for them to play. Many games can teach reading
skills, math skills, and many other aspects of learning. And,
because it is fun, kids simply love to do it. They enjoy the
colors, the sounds, and the idea of playing with Mommy or Daddy.
It’s a great time for some bonding as well.
Then, we can look towards the older age. Those who enjoy
cartoons on television will love the games that focus around
these topics. And, you'll find many games that do. Online games
like these can help with motor skills and computer usage skills.
But, why not teach them a little by getting them into a different
type of game, one that will challenge them. For example, word
puzzles and just puzzles in general can stimulate the mind in
many ways. Or, teach them a little history with a program like
Oregon (or Amazon) Trail in which they need to survive a
treacherous trek through the wilderness. Even older children can
benefit from the "Sim" games as well. The less violent ones are
better because they teach your little entrepreneurs to use many
skills to build cities, buildings, companies...you get the idea.
When it comes to allowing teens online, you really need to allow
at least some online time. At that age, they are into
communicating with their friends through email and instant
messages, but interactive games are very popular. Competing
against friends is a definite need that many kids have. Is it any
worse or any better than a Playstation or Xbox system? Probably
not, but at least they are interacting with others. And, you can
somewhat monitor their actions or limit their internet exploring
when you provide them with what many ISP's are offering and that
is parental controls on accounts set up just for kids.
So, where does that leave us and the online gaming world? Should
children be allowed online? Yes, we believe that kids of all
ages should at least have the opportunity to learn how to use the
computer. It is an essential skill. But, what about playing
games? Yes, they need this too. In a safe environment, there
are few other places that you can play so many games for a low
cost. They can learn from them as well. You can monitor just
what they are doing. If you are a parent trying to figure out
where you stand with your children being online, consider it a
learning experience to allow them to surf with you, even if it’s
just once. Then, you will be able to see just what is out there
to offer your children and how well they enjoy it.
Steve is a member of the GrandMatrix team. They provide family
friendly games, puzzles and articles. Download and play the
latest PC games for free plus enjoy thousands of user submitted
puzzles, quizzes and word games at:
http://www.grandmatrix.com
Back to Index of All
Articles about Cards & Games
Back to Index of All Sports Articles
Find More Sports Related Information:
