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Whether one accesses the Internet using a personal computer or certain electronic devices, potential concerns and dangers exist. While writing my last column, I spoke to my mother about gaming devices and connectivity issues.  She was unaware that some gaming devices are able to connect to the Internet.  How many other parents, grandparents, or caregivers, are also unaware that the children they are watching, may be talking to a complete stranger while playing a game on their handheld device?  Certain restaurants, such as McDonalds, or other commercial locations allow Internet connectivity. Please inform those who care for your children, depending on the device, this may be possible.

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  For those with gaming consoles and handhelds that can connect to the Internet or to other users, here are some tips and suggestions to keep your children safe while gaming. 
  If you are in the market to purchase a gaming console, do your homework first, before you buy.
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  Learn about parental controls settings for the specific device you own.  Some parents are unaware that there are parental controls for Internet use, movies, chat features, levels of violence, etc.
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  Set rules for your children. There are numerous free “contracts” available online, or design one yourself.  Read it, sign it and post it in a visible place.
  Set time limits—how long can your child play online?
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  Openly discuss privacy issues with your children.  Specifically, never give out personal information, such as real name, address, email, phone number, school name or location. 
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  Use a non-gender specific generic username/screen name/gamertag name, such as Table01. Make sure you know their usernames. 
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  What kind of picture are they posting online?  Is it a real photograph, an avatar, is it provocative?
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  Where is the gaming device located?  If it can connect to the Internet, is it in an open area of the home, or in a bedroom?
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  Know who are your children talking to and playing with online?  Is playing or chatting with strangers allowed?? 
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  Monitor messages, friends and chats.  Can your children block or mute messages or block friends? If so, do they know how? 
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  Is there a way to report offenders? 
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  Inappropriate language is commonplace in gaming.  What should your children do when this happens?
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  Does your system allow voice or video chat?
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  Voice masking or cloaking may be available on certain devices. Although this may be an option to change a child’s voice, remember adults can alter theirs as well.
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  Remind children people are not always who they say they are.
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  Discuss cyber bullying.  What should they do if they witness it, or are a target? Griefers are people who purposely embarrass, taunt, cheat, stalk, intimidate and cause grief to those who are involved in multi-playing gaming. 
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  Are you familiar with the rating systems on games?
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  Sit down and play the game with your child.  Participate.
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  Reiterate to your children if anything makes them feel uncomfortable in any way, to immediately tell a trusted adult.
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  While some parents rely solely on parental controls to safeguard their children online, it is important to note that some older children may be able to circumvent parental controls, be it on the computer or gaming device.

Tip:  The best parental control is YOU.

Parental Control Settings:

XBox
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/familysettings/xbox360/familysettings-intro.htm

http://www.gamerdad.com/detail.cfm?itemID=3517