Parent’s Guide to GAMING

Manningham YMCA presents

Keep gaming fun and safe

Manager Manningham YMCA Youth Services PAGE 1 PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

The Parents Guide to Gaming is intended as a practical guide to assist parents on how to deal with the impact of video games on their children. Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy and the contents of this book was accurate at the time of writing.

A book can never be a replacement for professional medical advice and if you are concerned about the health of your child in any way you should seek appropriate assistance from your doctor or health care professional.

The author, editor and publisher cannot accept any legal responsibility for anything arising from any part of this guide. Manningham YMCA presents: PARENT’S GUIDE TO GAMING Keep gaming fun and safe

By Steven Dupon Manager Manningham YMCA Youth Services

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Michael Palamara for helping me write, edit and proofread this guide. Josh Tiu for the cover design, illustrations and layout. Adam Hawken and the Manningham YMCA Board and Leadership Team for their trust and guidance. Giselle, Sol and Lucia for their love and patience.

This guide was made possible by a generous grant from Manningham City Council TABLE OF CONTENTS

01 INTRODUCTION 7. The Good and Bad of Gaming 02 UNDERSTANDING VIDEO GAMES 11. A bit of history 12. Profile of a gamer 13. Some more stats 03 BENEFITS OF GAMING 17. Cognitive Development 20. Emotional Development 23. Skills Development 26. Social Development 04 RISKS AND CONCERNS 31. Gaming Disorders/Addiction 35. Gambling in Games 40. Cyber-Safety 43. Violence and other Inappropriate Content 05 CONNECTING WITH YOUR GAMER 47. Gaming genres 49. Gamer language 06 MANAGING YOUR DEVICE 57. Understanding the classification 59. TOOL: Parental controls 07 TAKING CONTROL 71. Choosing the right game 73. Setting the appropriate limits 75. Controlling the environment where games are played 77. Get ready to brace yourself for the impact 78. Make sure your kids have other toys/activities/things to do 79. Make games a social activity 81. Teach your child about video game development 82. Be wary of free mobile games 83. No gambling simulation games for children and young people under 18 84. Stay safe online 85. Know the parental controls and classification 86. Get help! 08 WHEN THINGS GET OUT OF HAND 90. How to identify gaming disorders 91. The Nine Criteria 94. TOOL: Gaming Disorder Questionnaire 95. Where and how to get help 96. What if your child doesn’t want any help? 97. Links and Referrals

98. References 101. Key Words 102. How this guide came about 103. About the Author

Parent’s Guide to GAMING 01 INTRODUCTION

PAGE 7 The good and bad of gaming

It’s no secret that video games are one of today’s most popular forms of entertainment. According to the latest statistics, 96% of children, between the ages of 6 - 15 engage in some form of gaming screen time on a regular basis. Gaming devices are becoming more and more portable and children are much more computer savvy than ever before.

So what can we do to make sure that gaming remains a positive influence on a child’s development?

In this manual we will look at:

CC The positives and negatives of gaming. CC Some practical tips on how to better manage your child’s gaming devices. CC Tips on how to better manage the gaming environment within your home. CC Resources to help you to connect with your child in relation to gaming. CC How to identify when it is time to seek professional help. INTRODUCTION Parents, this guide is for you! Whether you’re children are 2 or 22!

All parents have a responsibility to their children to ensure that they are safe and well equipped to deal with life’s challenges. Gaming can be one of those challenges for many parents.

Before we begin it is important for us to recognise that gaming, like everything, has its fair share of its pros and cons. This guide will focus primarily on how to avoid getting caught in the negatives. Because, when used well, gaming can be educational, empowering and frankly, essential to a child’s development.

Warning! This guide contains an abundance of information about video games; it can also be used as a practical resource so that you can better manage gaming in your home.

PAGE 8 Parent’s Guide to GAMING 02 UNDERSTANDING VIDEO GAMES

P11 | A BIT OF HISTORY P12 | PROFILE OF A GAMER P13 | SOME MORE STATS

PAGE 9 UNDERSTANDING PAGE 10 gambling. In Chapter3,wewilltake an in-depth lookatthe similarities betweengaming and the practiceof‘gambling’.(Particularlybettingandcasinostylegambling). longwinded ‘playingvideogames’. ‘Gaming’,however,canalsobeusedtodescribe Today, the term ‘gaming’ is being used more and more in place of the more So, inshortanygameplayedonascreencanbereferredtoasvideogame. C C C C C Visual devicesinclude: interaction, withauserinterfacetogeneratevisualfeedbackondevice. Strictly speaking, a videogame is anelectronicgamethatinvolveshuman Sorry Pacman,we’vemovedon... C C C C C Tablets Mobile phones PCs Handheld devices(Nintendo3DSandGameBoy) Consoles (Xbox,PlayStation,andWii) UNDERSTANDING . involving PAGE 11 GAMING in the 1980s ‘Doom’ ‘Pacman’ ‘Dungeons and ‘Dungeons Dragons’ Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s was introduced. This is the first video game to involve

‘Pong’

‘Modding’ or ‘Modifying the game’. By the late 1990s, more genres were appearing and players were given the ability the given were players and appearing were genres more 1990s, late the By as be known to come has feature This game. the of parts own their create to players customizing their character’s appearance, creating interactive rooms and their character’s players customizing first person shooting experiences. occurred in the 1990s, with the introduction of titles such as with realistic imagery and interactive software. A further step in complexity A further step in software. with realistic imagery and interactive As technology improved, video games have become more advanced and complex, become more advanced have As technology improved, video games

involving one person playing against a machine. involving one person Soon after the game the Soon after title to the development of the famous graphics. This led similar to the popular real life role-playing games such as life role-playing games the popular real similar to The first video game was developed in the1970s. It was a text-based strategy game strategy text-based a was It the1970s. in developed was game video first The A BIT OF HISTORY A BIT UNDERSTANDING PAGE 12 games. likely toplayaction/shooting games whereas girls aremoreintopuzzlesandsocial more are Boys playing. are girls and boys how in difference a however, is, There gender splitforgamersthesedaysis47%femaleto53%male. Gone arethedayswhengaming was predominantlyateenage boys’ pursuit!The C C C the profileofatypicalgamermirrorsAustralian. According totheDigitalAustralia14Report,whichisproducedeachyearbyIGEA, PROFILE OFAGAMER C C C last twoyears the in gamers new of group largest the up make 50s and 40s their in Gamers 76% ofallgamersareover18yearsage The averageageofagameris32yearsold C C C C C C C SOME OFTHEMOSTPOPULARGAMESARE: C C C C C C C FIFA Super SmashBrothers Candy Crush Grand TheftAuto World ofWarcraft Call ofDuty Minecraft C C C C C C C C C C C C C C DOTA Skyrim Sims League ofLegends Battlefield Mario Kart Lego Games UNDERSTANDING PAGE 13 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

47% of gamers play on smartphones 47% of gamers play use a console 63% of households own three or more screens 90% of gaming households 26% of gamers play on tablets 26% of gamers play

C C C C games will be on those who started playing from the age of one. games will be on those who started games. And you’ll read more about this in the next few chapters. But we will have And you’ll read more about this in the next few chapters. games. to wait at least another two decades until we find out what the impact of video There has been a lot of research on the positive and negative impact of video on the positive and negative There has been a lot of research with games on their parent’s mobile devices from as early as one year old. parent’s mobile devices from as with games on their seen before, with more and more people playing. Children can be found interacting found be Children can playing. people more and more with before, seen The Video Game industry is exploding! The Video Game a surge in popularity never Experiencing C C C C

According to the Digital Australia 14 Report produced each year by IGEA the profile profile the IGEA by year each produced Report 14 Australia Digital the to According Australian. the profile of a typical gamer mirrors of a typical SOME MORE STATS FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR MORE STATS SOME PAGE 14 Parent’s Guide to GAMING 03 BENEFITS OF GAMING

P17 | COGNITIVE SKILL & DEVELOPMENT P20 | EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT P23 | MANUAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT P26 | SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

PAGE 15 RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 16 C C C C Video gamesteachus: everyone’s livesandincreasingly,intheofourchildren. current events andhowweentertain ourselves. Technology has a realplacein more efficient; changed the way we connect with each other, how we keep up with We alluse digital technology on adailybasis.Technology has made ourworkplace the overall developmentofourchildren. and education the to benefit real of be can they well, used if and engaging Video Games are an incredible form of entertainment! They are extremely Video gamescanbegoodforyou Newsflash!! C C C C Social skills Manual skills Emotional skills skills Cognitive byconnectingandplayingwithfriends likereadingandhand-eyecoordinationskills likeproblemsolving,strategy development,decisionmaking andcanbeavehicleforself-expression BENEFITS OF GAMING PAGE 17 GAMING

Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s OPPORTUNITY: VIDEOGAMES IN THE CLASSROOM

beneficial in a classroom environment as they Many fun. make learning and children engage video games have been specifically developed are: examples Some mind. classroom in the with games. reading eggs, mathletics and spelling Video games combine instruction with with instruction Video games combine demonstration, making them an effective tool highly video games can be such for educators. As

limit, gamers can develop speed in their decision-making. Studies have also shown also have Studies decision-making. in their develop speed can gamers limit, creativity in young people. that playing video games can help increase By being asked to solve increasingly complicated problems within a specified time specified a within problems complicated increasingly solve to asked being By Problem solving/decision making skills Problem solving/decision them in the overall cognitive development and education of our children. cognitive development and education them in the overall of time, they can actually promote a wide range of cognitive skills. By being able to to able being By skills. cognitive of wide range a promote actually can they time, of use we will be able to skills, developing these at best the are games which identify today’s employers are looking for. Although video games are often seen as a waste waste a as seen are often video games Although looking for. are employers today’s a deep learning experience and can help children develop many of the skills that that skills the of many children develop help and can experience learning deep a One of the main benefits of video games is cognitive development. Games offer COGNITIVE SKILL DEVELOPMENT SKILL COGNITIVE RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 18 regarded asgamesthatfeaturegreatcognitivedevelopment. other cognitive developmentexercises. First Person Shooting games are often principles continue to beimplemented in training situations, rehabilitation and up. Thismakes itaveryactivepastime, at least on a cognitive level. Video game some sort ofstrategy to stayaliveordefeat a boss; build astructureorblowone Gaming is like exercise for the brain. In most cases they will involve working with Strategic development of videogames. means by trained be can regions brain specific and volumetric brain increase. This proves that the direct casual link between video gaming fact, somestudies have even demonstrated memory formationandstrategicplanning. In brain regions responsible for spatial orientation, (growth of new neurons) and connectivity in the have been found to help stimulate neurogenesis for patientswith acquired braininjury.They Video gamesarenow being used asrehabilitation VIDEO GAMESINREHABILITATION OPPORTUNITY:

BENEFITS OF GAMING PAGE 19 GAMING

Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

essential for maths, science, engineering and technology. essential for maths, in many real-world situations and can be improved with practice. Spatial skills are skills Spatial be improved with practice. can and real-world situations many in conclusions about those objects from limited information. These skills are valuable are skills These limited information. from objects those about conclusions Spatial ability is the ability to think about objects in three dimensions and to draw to and dimensions three in objects about think ability to the ability is Spatial Spatial Skills them the ability to prioritise decisions and weigh up where their attention needs attention their up where weigh and prioritise decisions to ability the them for how long. to be and Gamers are able to develop faster, more accurate attention allocation skills. Giving skills. allocation attention accurate more faster, develop to able are Gamers Attention Allocation skills Attention RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 20 abuse, chemotherapy,andotherhealthproblems. games for saving their lives as they battle to overcome family problems, substance maintaining a balancedmental outlook. Some people have even credited video For childrenandyoungadultsinparticular,thiscanbeanimportantparttheir reduce stress. development. Games like these can beusedas a formof relaxation and even help emotional positive of plenty and gratification instant us give they that because is reason why games, such as It’s no secret that fun has an extremely positive effect on our mental wellbeing. The Video gamesarefun! EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT his orhermentalwellbeing. we can even use someone’s gaming behaviour as an indication of intervention still holds the best chance of recovery. In some cases, underlying mental healthissue.Itiswidely accepted thatearly Excessive videogameplaying can suggestthepresenceofan IDENTIFYING MENTALHEALTHISSUESTHROUGH Angry Birds OPPORTUNITY: VIDEO GAMES or Temple Run,

have become so popular BENEFITS OF GAMING PAGE 21 GAMING

Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s OPPORTUNITY:

TREATMENT OPTIONS USING VIDEO GAMES TREATMENT OPTIONS USING In therapy, video games are already being designed being games are already video therapy, In for depression as an alternative therapy and used to be just This therapy has proven people. young in as effective as traditionalface-to-face counselling more appropriate for some young may even be and people. Gamers often feel more comfortable in the game the more comfortable in feel Gamers often that it is the only than they do in real life. Many feel and free from place they can feel totally accepted judgment – unlike the ‘real world’.

through art or game-related culture. through art or game-related development. By being able to create a video game that tells their story or helps tells that a video game By being able to create development. themselves express to able been have developers aspiring emotions; their express opinions, or even, their emotions. This is made possible through video game possible through made is This emotions. their or even, opinions, Many young people use video games as a way to express their view on life, their life, a way to express their view on as video games use people young Many Self-expression that brief moment in time we don’t have to think about real life. in time we don’t have to think about that brief moment wonders wonders for your mind. Video games for where zone, in a comfort placing us us, relax Games we all live with. pressures can help take your mind off the daily Playing a quick game after a hard day’s work or a tough day at school can do can do day at school a tough day’s work or a hard after a quick game Playing Stress reduction / relaxation Stress reduction RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 22 mental wellbeing. your to beneficial again is, which accomplishment, of feeling overwhelming an is have completed multiple levels within a game or ultimately the game itself there impersonal machine, like a computer or tablet, it makes you feel good. After you them hooked on a game. When you receive positive rewards, even through an Developers use the technique of instantly rewarding players as a way tokeep Feeling ofachievement “It’s thanksto videogamesthatI’vebeen abletodealwithmydepression and providing thattheyareplaying therightkindofgamesinmoderation. FACT confidence andskillsinsocialising. anxiety, thiscontrolledwayofinteractingcanbeagood wayofrebuilding that only real socialinteractionsarevaluable. But for someone with social can leave the conversation with one press of the button. It can be argued are often quite basic. Thereis no body language, no eye contact and one at theirownpace. Online interactions themselves andsociallyinteract the community.Manyfeelthatagamecanbe safe placetoexpress often credit videogamesfortheirbeing able toreconnectwith Gamers - Video games can really benefit a player’s emotional development emotional player’s a benefit really can games Video - integrate back intoreallife” REBUILDING SOCIALCONFIDENCEBY INTERACTING INVIDEOGAMESFIRST OPPORTUNITY: Gamer –22years old

BENEFITS OF GAMING PAGE 23 GAMING

Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s OPPORTUNITY: VIDEO GAMES IN TRAINING are commonly used by pilots in training before they before training in pilots by are commonly used a real plane. make the transition to controlling which is known as (EST) Engagement Skills Trainer. Video Trainer. as (EST) Engagement Skills is known which and environment the games are created to simulate practice to soldiers face, allowing soldiers will situations to teach and a safe environment; in their shooting simulators Flight combat situations. in skills judgement The military uses video games as a training technique, games as a training The military uses video

A player’s fitness Children playing any type of video game show increased creativity type of video game show increased Children playing any crucial is move a of timing the as management, time teach can Video games in video games Hand-eye coordination skills, as well as vision and speed skills skills, as well as vision and speed Hand-eye coordination Reading skills

C C C C C the game. Resource management is another key skill found in video games. Many games Many video games. in found skill key another is management Resource complete to be rationed to need that resources of limited amount a players give C C C C C Playing video games can help develop: Playing video games people. providers, in particular, those who are teaching difficult to engage groups of a wide range of manual skills. This is especially of interest to education or training or training to education is especially of interest skills. This manual of a wide range Aside from developing cognitive skills, video games can also help people develop people help also can games video skills, cognitive developing from Aside MANUAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SKILLS MANUAL RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 24 even beenusedtohelpsurgeonsperfecttheirskillintheoperatingroom. have games Video coordination. hand-eye benefit will detail and touch sensitive withvisual skills motor gross and perception to execute a desired task. Games that require precisiontiming, a fine use to player the require games Video Hand-Eye Coordinationskills your child,theirreadingcanreallyimprove. Some video games are more ‘wordy’ than others and if you find the right game for feature text as a way to explainthe rules of the game or introducenew features. Video games actively engage the player inarange of cognitive tasks. Most will Reading skills for childrenwithcerebralpalsy. successful particularly been has ‘Wii-habilitation’ in atherapeuticsetting.Videogametherapyor movement andthepotentialistherefortheiruse game consolessuchasWiiinvolvewholebody particularly intherehabilitation of children. Video as animportanttoolinrehabilitationsettings, Video gamesarefastbecomingrecognised VIDEO GAMESASTHERAPY OPPORTUNITY:

BENEFITS OF GAMING PAGE 25 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

successful way to introduce activity and sports way to introduce activity and successful system. Playing this type of game can be a Playing this type of game system. otherwise to people who would a bad rap for creating couch potatoes, but games, couch potatoes, a bad rap for creating actually be really good for you. such as these, can not be inclined to do so. Video games usually get not be inclined to many sports games that are compatible with this are compatible with that sports games many are played by actively moving your body in a particular your body in a by actively moving are played the suits really gameplay of style unique This way. controllers to detect the movements of players. Games of players. Games to detect the movements controllers The Wii and Xbox Kinect are consoles that utilise motion motion utilise that consoles are Xbox Kinect Wii and The

Fitness RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 26 developing theirfriendship astheyworktogetherandsharetheexperience. be still can game a in other each against fighting players Even players. amongst playing video games, including violent games, can create and improve friendships friendships, especially inschoolandworkenvironments. Studies have shown that These skills areimportantintheoutsideworldforcreatingandmaintaining other playershappy. which requireseven greater social networking skills and teamwork to keep the can also provide the players with the opportunity to take on a leadership role, players have the option to work together to form alliances and create teams. They can act as an important teaching tool in developing social skills. In many games, Video games have created afun and engaging way ofconnectingwithpeopleand online. playing multiplayer games, have developed goodfriendshipswithpeoplethey met people from countries around the world. A large proportion of young people, Gamers have the ability to connect with players locally or team up online with Connect online and communitiesthatextendfarbeyondthecomputerscreen. cooperatively inateam. Games suchas, working or other each against playing by friend, a with play gamers of 70% Over promoting onlinegamingachievementsandinteractions. games are increasingly being playedon social network sites such as Facebook entertainment; with teams and players cooperating to reach a common goal. Video Contrary to public opinion, video games are actually a very social form of SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT World ofWarcraft , openupvirtualworlds BENEFITS OF GAMING PAGE 27 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

Can you easily report anti – social behaviour? Do the developers act on the reports? Do you connect with other players? Is this connection a safe one? Does anyone monitor the conversations? Can you modify the game? Do you build stuff? Do you develop characters? Can you direct your own story? Does the game feature a rich graphic environment? Does the game feature a rich graphic attention for periods of time? Does the game require your undivided read? Instructions that need following? Is there lots of text that needs to be Do you need to develop a strategy to successfully finish the game? a strategy to successfully finish Do you need to develop time enough is this? Do you get decisions? How stressful Do you need to make to make these decisions? Do you need to solve problems in the game? Puzzles, riddles? problems in the game? Puzzles, Do you need to solve Are there clear achievements made? Are there clear achievements more active? motion controllers to get players Does the game utilise Is it a fun game? Bad games don’t give us positive feelings! don’t give us positive game? Bad games Is it a fun between relaxation and excitement? Is there a good balance sometimes? Does play get interrupted

C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C

C C C C Is it a social game? C C C C C Is there creativity required to play the game? Is there creativity required to play C C C C C C Are there cognitive benefits? Are there cognitive

C C C C Are there emotional benefits? Are there C HOW TO IDENTIFY A GAME THAT HAS THESE BENEFITS? THAT HAS THESE IDENTIFY A GAME HOW TO questions: Ask the following RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 28 Parent’s Guide to GAMING 04 RISKS AND CONCERNS

P31 | GAMING DISORDERS/ADDICTION P35 | GAMBLING IN GAMES P40 | CYBER SAFETY P43 | VIOLENCE & OTHER INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT

PAGE 29 RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 30 C C C C The risksandconcernsofgaminginclude: these issues. as a reference toeducate both children andtheirparents on how toaddress help raiseawareness The followingsectionwill to these concerns andcanbeused addiction, gambling,andviolence,etc. are there But also some areas of concernthat must be lookedat. These include: Videogame gaming. video to benefits of plenty are there see, can you as So, Risky Business! C C C C Cyber-safety issues Violence andotherinappropriatecontent Gambling Excessive gaming/GamingDisorder/GamingAddiction

RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 31 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

frequency that leads to a negative impact on their life. frequency that leads end up playing excessively. Results ranging from 5 to 15% of gamers play at a gamers ranging from 5 to 15% of Results end up playing excessively. Several studies have been undertaken to define the percentage of gamers that gaming. and impact comparable to addiction, it is important to be aware of the risk of video of risk the of aware be to important is it addiction, to comparable impact and recognised addiction. We do, however, see a number of young people play games play people young of number a see however, do, We addiction. recognised their lives. With symptoms impact on it clearly has a negative so frequently that Unlike substance abuse or gambling, video game addiction is not a formally or gambling, video game abuse Unlike substance

When does gaming become addiction? gaming become When does GAMING DISORDERS/ADDICTION GAMING RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 32 impact ontheperson’slife. We define excessive video gaming as playing so often that it has a negative symptoms whentryingtoquitgamingandcanrelapse. playing to get the same effect on their mood. Players often experience withdrawal strategy. Players’ tolerance to the game increases therefore more time is spent addiction: itbecomes completely absorbingforplayers,often used as a coping to symptoms similar has gaming Excessive this. on figure a put to impossible is It When is video game playing excessive? Is it 10 hours per week, 20 hours, or more? What isexcessivevideogaming? HERE ARESOMEEXAMPLESOFNEGATIVEIMPACT C C C C C C C C C C EXCESSIVE VIDEOGAMINGCANHAVE: Reduced mentalwellbeing Sleeplessness Physical healthimpacts(likebackpainorstrain) Losing orneglectingsignificantrelationships commitments Missing school,workorotherimportant RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 33 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

Increased amount of time playing video games Increased amount of time playing video Lying spent with friends Decrease in social connection or time Inability to quit playing Decrease in overall physical health Difficulty sleeping Poor eating habits Decreased interest in school, work, and/or other hobbies Decreased interest Becoming depressed or anxious Becoming depressed violent when prevented from playing Becoming angry or

C C C C C C C C C C C C C C Behavioural signs C C C Physical signs

C C C Psychological signs gaming: Below are some signs you may notice when your child struggles with excessive with excessive child struggles your you may notice when signs Below are some often appear to be linked to excessive gaming. to be linked to often appear A gaming addiction is rarely a standalone issue. We see a range of signs, which signs, of range a see We issue. standalone is rarely a addiction A gaming What are the signs of video game addiction? the signs of video What are RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 34 and onhowtoidentifygamingdisorders. home the in gaming manage to how on information more give 8 and 7 Chapter feel happy. a lot AND study at University. Hold down a job, have great social relationships and there is usually no concern. There are many gamers who are perfectly able to game automatically addicted. If gaming is nicely balanced with other parts of life, then This doesn’t mean that ifyouplayformorethan one hourperdaythatyou’re for boys! of gaming isbetterforyoungpeoplethan no gaming at all. This is especiallytrue On theotherhand,UniversityofOxfordrecommends that amoderateamount than twohoursperday. are that screen time in children and adolescents should be limited to no more adolescents to avarietyofhealthand socialproblems.Currentrecommendations Research has linked excessive television viewing and computer use in children and Excessive Gaming–Howmuchistoomuch? gaming andisbeneficialforyoungpeopleingeneral. 1 hourofgamingperdayisamoderateamount RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 35 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s another decade or so.

What the impact of this will be, we will only know in What the impact of this will be,

These gamblified games are introduced to two year olds. These gamblified games are

Simulated gambling games In-game practice gambling Advertising within games

C C C display similar behaviour patterns and symptoms. display similar behaviour patterns and We see many similarities in the techniques used to hook the player. Players also used to hook the player. techniques similarities in the We see many Video game addiction and gambling addiction are both behaviour based addictions. based behaviour both addiction are gambling addiction and Video game C C C This happens through: with a whole new player demographic: children and young people. player demographic: children and with a whole new Video games also provide the gambling industry with an opportunity to connect opportunity industry with an also provide the gambling Video games and graphics. The video game industry learned how to ‘hook’ players to their game. ‘hook’ players how to industry learned video game The graphics. and The gambling industry learned how to better engage players through game design game players through how to better engage learned gambling industry The player engagement tactics from each other. player engagement interactive environment. It should come as no surprise that both industries learn industries both that surprise no as come should It environment. interactive Both are play based applications and attempt to engage the player in a fun, the player in to engage and attempt play based applications Both are The video game industry and the gambling industry have quite a bit in common. bit in common. a quite have industry gambling the and industry video game The GAMBLING IN GAMES GAMBLING RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 36 practice gambling. the app stores. This gives children and young people unprecedentedaccess to Simulated gambling apps are readily available to children via social media sites or such escapethestrictregulationsthatareplacedonrealmoneygambling. as and gambling real as classified not is gambling simulated involved, is moneyis money No gambling. topractice opportunity wagered or won because the player plays with points or virtual coins. Because no the offers game of type This simulated gamblinggamesare: very popular gambling games offered on mobile gaming platforms. Some popular same as thepopularcasinogames. Poker, SlotsorPokies,Blackjack,andsoonare Simulated gambling games are those games that look, feel and playexactlythe Simulated gamblinggames We knowthattheyounger onegambles,themorelikely it isthattheymayend upwithagamblingissue. 20% ofthetopgrossingmobilegamesare simulated gamblinggames. Slotomania, ZyngaPoker,DoubledownCasino. RISKS AND CONCERNS ,…) PAGE 37 GAMING The Sims, Grand Theft Auto Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s harmless and fun!

introduces gambling to children and young people introduces gambling to children at a very young age. This will result in desensitising at a very young age. This will

your children to gambling and make them believe it is your children to gambling and Having unmoderated in-game gambling in video games Having unmoderated in-game

into the game. the actual game so that the player needs to play the pokies to progress further so that the player the actual game the ability to win extra items or coins. Sometimes poker machines are built into poker machines or coins. Sometimes the ability to win extra items can engage in games like poker or blackjack. (e.g. can engage in games like poker or player the giving machine poker a of form the take may gambling games, other In It is quite common for video games to include gambling. This means that a player a that means This gambling. include to games video for common quite is It In-Game Gambling feature gambling or not. feature gambling Currently, these apps are not rated by an independent ratings board (unlike films and big video games) making it very difficult for parents toidentify which apps harmless. and have a great experience playing these games. As such, kids get exposed kids get exposed As such, games. playing these experience a great and have and fun is gambling that believe led to are and age early very a at gambling to developers (in contrast with physical poker machines) you’re very likely to win you’re very machines) physical poker (in contrast with developers Practising gambling through these gambling apps makes gambling look fun, gambling look fun, makes gambling apps these gambling through Practising by the set are odds the Because life. everyday of part normal a and harmless, RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 38 C C C C C well-known techniquestogettheplayerhooked. advantage over another player. Video game developers design their games using By purchasingextracreditsaplayercanprogressfurther inthegame or gainan Another methodofraisingrevenueinmobilegames isthein-apppurchase. Gambling techniquesusedingames advertising toyourchildisactuallysupervisewhilstplaying. advertising. feature will profits big an opportunitytoadvertiseingames. Many free games that arenotgenerating are largely unsupervised and unregulated the gambling industry has seen it as developers canmonetise their workisthroughadvertising.Because video games Free games on mobile devicesneed to make revenue somehow. One of the ways Advertising invideogames C C C C C Very limitedstorylinesmaking thegamequitemindless Immediate andeasytoplay withnocomplicatedrulesorstrategy Audio andvisualtricks Illusion ofskill Random RewardSchedules The only way to know what the gameis RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 39 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s growing segment of the gaming industry. growing segment

games and it is not surprising that this is the fastest not surprising that this is the games and it is These gambling techniques are used predominantly in techniques are used predominantly These gambling

development market by setting up game development companies. development market by setting up Some big name gambling industry players have entered the video game entered gambling industry players have big name Some as one! Facebook to join a particular game). They don’t have to stick to the odds like real They don’t have to stick to the odds like real Facebook to join a particular game). young as children to experience the offer can they course, of and gambling money These games are connected with social media (we’ve all received requests on (we’ve all received requests media with social are connected games These

before, there are no rigid functionality to hook players. regulations to deal with and games offer added One could argue that games are even more addictive than gambling. As stated As gambling. than addictive more even are games that argue could One purchase. or sets a time limit. The easiest option to continue playing is to make an in app in an make to is playing continue to option easiest The limit. time a sets or These techniques keep the player in ‘the zone’, making it harder for them to stop to stop harder for them it making player in ‘the zone’, keep the techniques These unachievable seems level that introduces a new the game suddenly, playing. Then, RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 40 grooming childrenorcyberbullying. players reallyare.Assuch video games can beausedaspotential place for element of social playina game, it doesn’t mean that we know who the other safe online. We must always be mindful of the fact that just because there is an Staying safe within avideogame requires basicallythe same strategy to staying social pastime. Butbeware!Theycanalsoexposeplayerstoanti-social behaviour. at the same time. Because of this, video games are often referred to as being a avatars, the player is able to interact with other people who are playing the game An avatar is anonline character that is createdbytheplayer.Through these Video game players areoften able tocreateavatars to representthem in agame. CYBER-SAFETY RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 41 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

to get into your account. communicating with others. People trying to stop a person from or status updates from their accounts. Having your profile information changed by people using a stolen password Having people post humiliating things about you on Facebook and Twitter Having people post humiliating either publicly or through private messages. People setting up fake profilespretending to be others, or posting messages Receiving harassing or abusive calls, texts or emails from people they may or may people they from or emails texts calls, or abusive Receiving harassing may not know. things about you online. People posting upsetting or embarrassing Having people share embarrassing photos of you online. Having people share

C C C C C C C C C C C C

C C Common examples of cyber-bullying include: Common examples anywhere. of phones, tablets, or computers. This means that bullies can access their victims victims their access bullies can that means This or computers. tablets, phones, of days have easy access to the Internet on the go, as well as at home, in the form in the well as at home, go, as on the to the Internet access days have easy powerful, quick, and ultimately, very public way for users to experience humiliation. humiliation. experience to users for public way very ultimately, and quick, powerful, these people young most As schoolyard. the occur in just doesn’t Cyber-bullying Cyber-bullying is bullying that occurs when using technology. It can be an incredibly an be can It technology. using when occurs that bullying is Cyber-bullying Cyberbullying RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 42 that playershavewitheachother. game is theplayground.Rulesaresetforgame but notfortheinteractions and chat-services gamers connect, talk to each other, and make new friends. The Video games provide asocialconnection between players.Byusing headsets Bullying inGames their tollovertimeandcanleadtosomeseriousmentalhealthissues. wellbeing so it’s important to stay safe. The effects of cyber-bullying gradually take Cyber-bullying canhave an extremely negative impact on a victim’smental COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENTWITHOUTANY C C C C VIDEO GAMESPUTCHILDRENINAVIRTUAL C C C C Threats ofviolence Bad language Verbal abuse Ganging upagainstaplayer REFEREES. THISCANLEADTO: RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 43 GAMING

Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

to material that is rated R (adults only). material is suitable for their kids. It is however a crime to expose underage children children a crime to expose underage for their kids. It is however is suitable material But violent video games can be harmful when young children are exposed to exposed children are young when be harmful can video games violent But what can use their own discretion to decide Parents material that is unsuitable.

music, or other visual arts. gaming is just like any other form of entertainment or form of art. Boundaries art. of or form entertainment of form other any like just is gaming are pushed in art and video games should have the same liberties as books, film, Many people are either for or against violence in games. We must accept that accept must We games. in violence against or for either are people Many sure of the impact this has on young people. sure of the impact know that some video games can contain questionable content; we are not so we content; can contain questionable games video know that some playing it yourself? Well, the bad news is - you can’t. The fact is that although we although is that fact The is - you can’t. news bad Well, the playing it yourself? But how do you find out if a game contains potential inappropriate content without content inappropriate potential contains game a if out find you do how But websites and games. watch a film or TV show that we felt was inappropriate. The same rules apply for Video games can be violent, racist, sexist, and more. We wouldn’t let our kids We wouldn’t let and more. violent, racist, sexist, can be Video games VIOLENCE AND OTHER INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT INAPPROPRIATE AND OTHER VIOLENCE RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 44 games. Nocausallinkhasbeenfoundbetweenthetwo. video of influence the on blamed shootings, school as such tragedies, see often between violence in video games and violent behaviour in real life. Although we do On the other hand, we find that there is no evidence to suggest any real connection as apositivemessage. to getwhattheywant.Violenceasanacceptablesolution surely cannotbeseen players, themessage that violenceisharmless, funny, or even, an acceptableway The inclusion of violence in video games can send players, particularly younger know thisisnotthecaseinreallife. we As perpetrator. or victim the to consequence no with and insignificant being popular video games do contain some form of violence. This is often portrayed as schools of thought on the implications that this violence has on young people. Most There are certain video games that depict graphicviolence, however, there are two Violence RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 45 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

heroes victims feminists sex objects or prizes

C C C C C C C C characters are often categorized into four groups of characters: characters are often categorized into on men, while often sexual relationships are key to their role in the game. Female are key to their role in the game. relationships sexual while often on men, Women are often represented as passive and subordinate characters that depend as passive are often represented Women

female characters. female characters. greater leadership skills and have more opportunities in games compared to compared games in opportunities more have and skills leadership greater and talk significantly more. They typically are able to achieve more; demonstrate Female characters, in particular, suffer the most from stereotyping. Male characters Male stereotyping. from most the suffer particular, in characters, Female counterparts compared to their female in video games appear more frequently and abilities. that are still developing their perception of the adult world, of the adult world, perception still developing their that are commonly used of player’s roles a distorted representation and create be harmful can stereotypes Gender stereotypes are often used in video games, as well. For young people For young well. as in video games, used are often Gender stereotypes Gender Stereotypes RISKS AND CONCERNS PAGE 46 races. different of view unrealistic an with people young leaves characters Stereotyping stereotyped asoverlymuscularexotic fighters. athletes with unnaturalabilities or are veryrarelyheroes, rescuers or champions. These characters are widely races different of Characters world. real the in race that of perceptions players Studies have shown that racial stereotypes depicted invideogames often shape being goodatmartialarts. follow thetypicalracialstereotypes; black criminals,whiteheroes, and Asians youths form a generalised view of an entire race or ethnicity. Video games often gamers with ethnicbackgroundscan often feel degradedorleftout,andCaucasian to the development of a young person’s perception ofraceandethnicity. Young Often, ethnic characters are portrayed as stereotypes, which can be damaging predominately whitemales. seem to appearfarlessfrequentlyinvideogames, with main characters being Characters that show some ethnicity, Black, Asian, or Hispanicforexample, Racism regardless oftherating,potentiallyexposingchildrentoinappropriatecontent. Also of concern isthe fact that these female stereotypes can appear inany game, towards theoppositesex. perception ofgender,the development of theirownidentityand attitude body image. This could potentiallybedamaging to bothmale and female players’ such as being half-naked, wearing inappropriate clothing, having an unrealistic Female characters are significantly more likely to be pictured in a hypersexual way, female characters;21%representedwomenasvictims; In arecentstudyofpopularvideogames,41%hadno 28% portrayedthemassexobjects;andonly 15% portrayedwomenasheroes. Parent’s Guide to GAMING 05 CONNECTING WITH THE GAMER

P49 | GAMING GENRES P53 | GAMER LANGUAGE

PAGE 47 CONNECTING PAGE 48 vocabulary andtrytogiveyousomepointersonhowtalkthetalk. gaming into headfirst dive we chapter, this In it. about talk to how know to need To connect with a gamer, you not only have to understand gaming, you also talk toyou? So how do you communicate with someone who prefers to look at a screen than game before. communicating with them about gaming, even if you have never played a video To keep your children safe from any potential threat you need to begin But let’stakeitonestepfurther. detrimental totheiroverallwellbeing. or beneficial is playing game video child’s your whether to as decision informed By being able to identify and understand these risks, you will be able to make an In the previous chapter, we outlined the benefits and the potential risks of gaming. Talk the

CONNECTING PAGE 49 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

Halo Counter Strike, Half-Life, Unreal Tournament, Quake, Battlefield Some popular First Person Shooters are: Some popular First Person Shooters Call of Duty and violent content. to make teams and play together versus other teams. FPS are high adrenaline FPS are high teams. other versus and play together teams to make language abusive for out Look heated. very get can games these times at so games going online and connecting with other gamers around the world. This allows you world. This around the with other gamers and connecting going online FPS games have become social games as well. Most games offer the option of above and you can see the character you play as. above and you can see the character using. This is different in a Third Person Shooter where the point of view is from In a First Person Shooter you take the perspective of your character. This means This character. your of perspective the take you Shooter Person First a In you are weapon the do see but you usually your character you actually don’t see

mini-missions. his way passed hordes of enemies. Typically you get a mission at the start of the of start the at mission a get Typically you enemies. of hordes passed way his your way through you need to strategically work the game and throughout game FPS are games where the player assumes the character of a ‘shooter’, shooting shooting ‘shooter’, a of character the assumes player the where games are FPS First Person Shooter s/he gets out of it. s/he gets out of it. genres will child is gaming and what a better understanding of why your give you So let’s look at some of the most popular gaming genres. Understanding the genres. popular gaming the most of at some look So let’s has a game that suits everyone. has a game that suits Young, old, boys and girls, hardcore gamers or casual gamers, the gaming industry industry gaming the gamers, or casual gamers boys and girls, hardcore old, Young, Gaming today is a very diverse form of entertainment which caters for everyone. for which caters entertainment of form diverse very a is today Gaming GAMING GENRES GAMING CONNECTING PAGE 50 EA SportsUFC Madden NFL15 NBA2K15 FIFA16 Some popularsportsgames are: again offertheoptiontogoonlineandplayversus other gamers. Competition is at the core of these games and they are a lot of fun! These games the playertoplayastheirfavouriterealworldsports star. sport bysimulating real worldevents and addingreal worldplayers. This allows a sport as best and as realistic as they can. The game usually imitates the real Sports games are a verypopulargenre of video games. They essentially simulate Sports Games Lord oftheRingsOnline The OldRepublic Star Wars Eve Online Guild wars World ofWarcraft Some popularMMORPG’sare: character isinthisvirtualworld. people andsocializetogether. The moreyouplay,thebetterorstrongeryour discover new places and experiences but also a place to connect with like-minded to place a world, real the to alternative an gamers the offer worlds fantasy These enemy maybe. they goonmissions or queststodefeat monsters, dragons, or whatever the engage in social play. Every player is a character in this virtual world and together MMORPG’s are vast, interactive worlds where millions of players get together and MMORPG -massivelymultiplayeronlineroleplayinggame CONNECTING PAGE 51 GAMING

Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

Dawn of War, Red Alert WarCraft, Some popular Real Time Strategy Games are Some popular Real Time Strategy Games StarCraft, of the mobile platform may lead to an insurgence of Real Time Strategy Games. of the mobile platform may lead to RTS Games have experienced a slow decline in recent years but the introduction but the years recent in decline slow a experienced have RTS Games to be able to undertake 300 actions every minute. to be able to undertake 300 actions of assets/troops and deployment. The best RTS gamers in the world gamers are reputed The best RTS and deployment. of assets/troops to defeat your opponents, knowing that you’re opponents are doing the same are doing the you’re opponents that knowing your opponents, to defeat careful building planning, require tactical thinking, you. RTS gamers thing to defeat In Real Time Strategy games you collect resources, build units and go into combat into go and build units resources, collect you games Strategy Time Real In Real Time Strategy Games Tomb Raider Portal 2 Assassins Creed Batman Uncharted Some popular Action games are Some popular Action Grand Theft Auto are developed to mimic movies. are developed to like scenarios. The further you progress in the game the more difficult they get Some action games able to unravel more of the storylines. and as a reward you’re Action games have typically captivating storylines and engage a player into movie into player a engage and storylines typically captivating have games Action jumping, running, fighting, solving problems, puzzles etc. You’ll require a sharp these games. your way through successfully work quick reflexes to mind and but usually without or with less shooting. In action games the focus is more on is more the focus action games In shooting. or with less without but usually Action Games Shooters or Third Person Shooters Person First to similar quite are Games Action CONNECTING PAGE 52 Subway Surf Temple Run Crossy Road Clash ofClans Candy Crush Some populargamesinclude: social connections. throughout the day. Often these games are linked to social media and often offer Casual games are designedtobeplayedforshortamounts oftime, multiple times on mobiledevicesandareeasytodownload, tolearn. Players can play infrequently and spontaneously. Casual games are usually played Casual games are games that don’trequirealong-term commitment to thegame. Casual games Super MeatBoy Braid Rayman Origins Fez Super Mario Some populargamesinclude: Mario Bros. been aroundsincetheeightiesincludeDonkeyKong,SonicHedgehogand Platform games are verypopularinvideogame arcades. Classictitlesthat have Platformers areoneoftheearliestgenresvideogame. players running and jumping onto platforms, floors, ledges, stairs or other objects. A Platform Gameisavideogame in whichthe game-play revolves heavily around Platform Games CONNECTING PAGE 53 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s ). Developers will usually do this in an attempt to ). Developers will usually do this in - A term used to describe an inexperienced gamer/person/etc. gamer/person/etc. inexperienced an describe to used term A - - repetitive actions completed in order to gain further experience in the in experience further gain order to in completed actions repetitive - e.g., Gun/jetpack/Sword

- When a game developer decreases the performance of a gaming a of performance the decreases developer game a When -

- When a player gets a kill with great style. - When a player gets a kill with great - To kill an enemy in a first person shooter game. - To kill an enemy in a first person - (Downloadable Content) This term applies to all additional content that can that applies to all additional content term This - (Downloadable Content) - (Player vs. Player). This term refers to games (or portions of games) that see that games) of portions (or games to refers term This Player). vs. (Player -

one or more human players face off against one or more other human players. one or more human players face off against one or more other human PVP Grinding game. PWN balance the game. element ( element Nerfing characters, and costumes, etc. DLC new levels, includes This your system. onto and downloaded online be purchased Unlike Noob, a Newb is often someone who wants to get better. Unlike Noob, a Newb is often someone Noob or Newb Frag

Gaming terms worth knowing! a “mob”. during a game. Some examples of this are: “pwn” which means ‘to own’ and “teh” and own’ ‘to means which “pwn” are: this of examples Some game. during a battle you correct spelling when than important Speed is more ‘the’. which means Some of these gaming words originated as typos when people were typing fast when typos as words originated gaming these of Some With gaming getting bigger and bigger; attracting more and more players of all ages, all of players more and more attracting bigger; and bigger getting gaming With fast becoming mainstream. Internet Colloquialisms” are some of these “Modern commonly used terms for your reference. used terms for commonly Gaming language is unique. Below we have compiled a list of some of the most the of some of list compiled a have we Below unique. is language Gaming GAMER LANGUAGE GAMER CONNECTING PAGE 54 or open-ended.The explore thegame’s environment. Sandbox games are alsoreferredtoasnonlinear Sandbox alert developersofbugsorproblems. Beta abilities orweapons. Hitting certainlevelsofXPusually sees your characterlevelupandgainnew XP 10 killsand6deaths. for would you than deaths 0 and kills 6 with game a ending for higher ranked be Kill Ratio Use OfFTW!–ontheInternetaswellinvideogames. FTW Guild/Clan Easter Eggs controlled byAI(artificialintelligence). not controlled bythe player ora human opponent. The behaviour of NPCs is NPC -(ExperiencePoints), which areracked upas you progress through a game. - (Non-Player Character). This gaming term refers to all characters in a game -(ForTheWin)Usedasageneralexpressionofenthusiasm – example: Make - a nearly complete prototype of a game. Users often test beta versions to -Agame in whichtheplayerignores thegame’s objectivessoasto - Most online shooters rank players according to their kill ratio. You’d -Termforaclanorgroupofplayerswhoplayonlinegames together. -hiddenelementsinthegame. Lag unplayable. experience lag.This is when your real-life actions take too long to translatetheactionsonscreen, making a game virtually Grand TheftAuto - If your internet ping (or latency) is too high then you may seriesallowsforopen-ended play. Parent’s Guide to GAMING 06 MANAGING YOUR DEVICE

P57 | HOW TO READ THE AUSTRALIAN CLASSIFICATION P59 | PARENTAL CONTROLS P60 | PARENTAL CONTROLS (WINDOWS) P61 | PARENTAL CONTROLS (IOS/APPLE) P63 | PARENTAL CONTROLS (ANDROID) P65 | PARENTAL CONTROLS (XBOX 360) P68 | PARENTAL CONTROLS (PS4)

PAGE 55 MANAGING DEVICES PAGE 56 guide forthemostpopularplatforms. controls are introduced in most popular games. In this manual, we give you a to be a positive one. To reduce potential harmful impacts a number of parental Every game developer andallgaming platforms want yourgaming experience will giveyoupeaceofmindaboutthecontentyourchildisexposedto. classification the using and Understanding games. the of content the on parents to information and guidance provide to classification a provides government The device itisplayedon. a positiveone? Well, wecanstartbytryingtomanage the actual game and the So, whatstepscanwetake to ensure that yourchild’sgaming experience remains Management isKey!

MANAGING DEVICES

PAGE 57 GAMING may be suitable suitable be may Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 Some films and computer games that are exempt under section5B of the HOW TO READ THE AUSTRALIAN CLASSIFICATION AUSTRALIAN TO READ THE HOW film or computer game’s specific content, for example by making further inquiries further making by example for content, specific game’s computer or film the material is suitable for their child. with the retailer, before deciding whether children under 15. Parents and guardians may need to find out more about the depictions of violence, supernatural or horror elements that may be unsuitable for be unsuitable that may or horror elements supernatural depictions of violence, under 15 may legally access this material because it is an advisory category. under 15 may legally access this However, M classified films and computer games may include content such as impact and are recommended for teenagers aged 15 years and over. Children over. and years 15 aged teenagers for recommended are and impact M rating Films and computer games classified M (Mature) containcontent of a moderate parents or an adult guardian. be no higher than mild, but they may contain content that children find confusing find children that content contain may they but mild, than higher no be or upsetting. Some younger children may prefer to watch PG classified films with The impact of PG classified (parental guidance) films and computer games should games computer and films guidance) (parental classified PG of impact The PG rating films or computer games may contain content that is of no interest to children. games may contain content that is films or computer The General classification is suitable for everyone. However, some G-classified G rating an educational type. sporting, live performance or musical presentation type and computer games of games computer and type presentation musical or performance live sporting, for children to see and play at home. These include films of an educational, MANAGING DEVICES PAGE 58 age before purchasing, hiring, or viewing an R18+ film at the video store or cinema. their of proof for asked be also may person A adults. to restricted are films 18+ R R 18+rating or adultguardianmustalsopurchasethemovieticketforchild. accompanied by a parent or adult guardian for the duration of the film. The parent guardian. Children under 15 who go to the cinema to see an MA 15+ film must be hire MA 15+ classified material unless they are in the company of a parent or adult or buy watch, legally not may 15 of age the under Children film. 15+ MA an watch also requestthatthepersonshowproofoftheiragebeforeallowingthemto may staff Cinema game. computer or film 15+ MA an purchasing or hiring before to legally restricted is and persons 15 years and over. A personmay be asked to show proof of their age content strong contains material classified 15+ MA MA 15+rating MANAGING DEVICES

PAGE 59 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

PlayStation IOS/Apple Android XBOX Windows

C C C C C your internet search engine. In that case, you can find updated instructions by performing a quick search on The information about parental controls was correct at the time of writing but about parental controls was correct at the time of The information date. of out fall may instructions these updates system to due that note please

C C C C C In the following pages we outline how to set the parental controls for: we outline how to set the parental In the following pages quite easy to set. They can be used as an extra safeguard against children viewing children against safeguard extra an as used be can They set. to easy quite material. inappropriate or downloading All gaming platforms and devices feature parental controls and they’re usually and they’re controls parental devices feature and platforms All gaming PARENTAL CONTROLS PARENTAL MANAGING DEVICES 1. Set parentalcontrolsforWindows8 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Set parentalcontrolsforWindowsVista 7. 6. 5. 4. 11. 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. PAGE 60 3. 2. 1. Set parentalcontrolsforWindows7 PARENTAL CONTROLSFORWINDOWS

Move yourcursorallthewaytorightuntil‘Charm Bar’appears. Set yourpersonalsettingsaccordingtosituation. Click Click onthetextfieldandenterausername. In thesettingsmenuclickon Click on Type partosearchforparentalcontrols. Click on Click on You canadjustthesettingstosuityourpersonalsituation. Activate ParentalControlsbyclicking a newUserAccount Under Click Set othersettings accordingtoyoursituation. Select the Select Click on controls for. Click your computer. Login tothefamilysafetyaccountusingsameuser passwordasison Click on Click on Click on Click on Select Select Click on view activityreport Create Account Set upParentalControlsforanyUser User AccountsandFamilySafety Control Panel Turn onwebfiltering Users Start Start Web Filtering Manage settingsontheFamilySafetyWebsite Family Safety Control Panel Settings Parental Controls Instant Search designed for children , clicktheuseraccountyouwishtomanageor . . . . tosetupanewaccount. . . . . field. ontheuseryouwanttoset upparental . Create anewuseraccount . optionandclick save. on, EnforceCurrentSettings . . . . Create . MANAGING DEVICES

. PAGE 61 GAMING give it to your child. In-App Purchases never Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s any apps that you don’t want someone you don’t want any apps that Off . if you don’t already have them on. If you do, you If on. them have already don’t you if , disable the option for on your iPhone or iPad. on your iPhone or on the iPhone or iPad you want to block in-app to want or iPad you iPhone the on , turn . . . . Settings app Settings app Allow section Allow section Allow General Restrictions General Restrictions Enable Restrictions Enable Restrictions Enable

Tap on Tap on on Tap skip to step 6. know — it should not be the same Choose a passcode that only you will sure you as the Lock screen passcode and be Launch the Launch purchases on. Tap on to disable you’ll remember for when you need Type in a password different from the (This can and should be completely restrictions again. otherwise the kids will know it!) Lock screen passcode, Under the (This section is for built-in apps and accessing without your permission. not third party apps.) Launch the Tap on Tap on Under the

5.

4. 2. 3.

In-App Purchases Block 1.

6.

5. 4. 3. 1. 2. Restrictions your children safe online. The controls include Restrictions, In App include Restrictions, The controls online. Purchases safe your children Blacklisting, and Whitelisting. Blocking, The iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch all provide some parental controls to help keep help to controls parental provide some all iPod Touch and iPad iPhone, The PARENTAL CONTROLS FOR IOS/APPLE FOR CONTROLS PARENTAL 6. MANAGING DEVICES 1. permissible. allow, you can disable everything and then only turn back on the sites you consider specifically you what except accessible is nothing sure make to want simply you If Whitelisting specificcontentorsitesiniOS7Safari keyboard. b. a. To blockspecificwebsites: 5. b. a. To addmore: 5. 4. enabled. 3. 2. PAGE 62 4. enabled. 3. 2. 1. usethe can you sites, specific into automatic settings,andtheblacklistfeature. running from kids your prevent to want If Blacklisting SpecificContentorSitesIniOS7Safari Launch the Type in the full URL of the website you’d like to block and tap Tap on adult websites. That willautomaticallyblockmany(butnotall-theychangetooquickly Now tap on the keyboard. Type inthe Tap on Apple pre-populatestheallowed websitelistwiththeirowndefaults. Under Under Enable Restrictions Tap on Under Enable Tap on Launch the Allowed Websites Allowed Content Allowed Content Restrictions Add aWebsite General Add aWebsite General full URL Settings app Settings app Limit Adult Content . . ofthewebsiteyou’dliketo blockandtap andsetapasscodeifRestrictionsaren’talready and ... undertheNeverAllowsection. ... attheverybottomof list. , tapon , tapon fromtheHomescreenofyouriPhoneoriPad. fromtheHomescreenofyouriPhoneoriPad. set apasscode , tapon Websites Websites under the Specific WebsitesOnly ifRestrictionsaren’talready . . Allowed Websites . Done Done section. on the on MANAGING DEVICES PAGE 63 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s option to set a PIN in order to restrict option to set a PIN in order to restrict . option. app from the home screen. app from the home option. User controls Set or change PIN Content filtering Settings Google Play

to override. Choose the access to the settings. Select the wish to allow, without using the PIN Select the highest maturity level you Open the vertical dots in the This is the button with three Press the menu button. the search icon. upper right-hand corner, adjacent to Select the Scroll down to

Please note that in the Google Play store, this only filters apps. Please note that in the Google Play

7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. the steps below. music, books, magazines, or movies and TV. To enable app content filtering, follow filtering, content app enable To TV. and movies or magazines, books, music, Google Play App Filtering Google Play App Built-in content filtering is only available for apps. It does not affect content in features App Filtering and Block Purchasing as: features App Filtering rudimentary controls in the Google Play store. Google Play is Android’s market Android’s market is Play Google store. Play Google the in controls rudimentary Play Google TV. and movies, magazines, books, music, apps, for shopfront or place Android has no general built-in parental control features, but does include include but does control features, parental built-in no general has Android PARENTAL CONTROLS FOR ANDROID FOR CONTROLS PARENTAL MANAGING DEVICES MobileMinder tabletedition PAGE 64 use an app blocker like Play Store.Thisshouldpreventanyunplannedpurchases ordownloads.Youcan will then requiretheusertoinputapinorpasscodebeableopenGoogle Another waytorestrictuseoftheGooglePlayStoreisanappblocker.This 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. To setaPINfollowthestepsbelow: apps. purchases) will require you to enter this PIN. Note: this will not restrict any free up this PIN, any purchase in the Google Play Store (app, book, movie, or any in-app You cansetaPINtopreventaccidentalorunapprovedpurchases. Once youset Google PlayBlockPurchases Check thebox Re-enter yourPIN. Enter aPIN,andpress Press Press Open theGooglePlayStoreapp. Set orchangePIN Menu andtouch Use PINforpurchases Perfect Perfect App Protector alsohasthisfunction. OK Settings . . . , APP Lock . , or App Locker II to do this. MANAGING DEVICES

PAGE 65 GAMING . Change Settings . Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s , and then select the account you , and then select the , select . : This setting allows you to control whether allows you to control whether setting : This next to the areas you want to limit or allow next to the areas you want to limit . : This setting allows you to reset the settings to settings the allows you to reset setting : This Settings of the child whose settings you want to adjust. of the child whose : These settings let you restrict games and video and games restrict you let settings These : Blocked : This setting allows you to change your pass code. : This setting allows you to change your or : This setting allows you to decide if your family can connect can family your if decide to you allows setting This : . My account & forums Security, family Safety Xbox 360 Online : This setting allows you to limit the time your console can be allows you to limit the time your console : This setting gamer-tag Privacy & Online Settings Privacy & Online Allowed Family Under On your console, go to On your Select Select the access to, and then tap or click Save. Sign in to your Xbox account. Sign in to your Xbox Tap or click Tap or click Tap or click will be shown here next to your own.) want to adjust. (Your child’s avatar Select Update the settings and then exit the screen to save. Update the settings

Reset to Default Settings their original factory settings. or not new Xbox Live memberships can be created from your console. or not new Xbox Live memberships Change Pass Code Xbox Live Access Live Xbox to Xbox Live from this console. Creation Membership Live Xbox rating restrictions you’ve set. Family Timer used on a daily or weekly basis. content based on the content’s rating. You are also able to set up set to able also are You rating. content’s the on based content console. be played on this can content or explicit or not unrated whether the outside are that individual games for exceptions set to able are You Tip - Ratings and Content Ratings and

C C C C C C

4. 3. 1. 2. Set parental controls on your Xbox 360 console controls on Set parental PARENTAL CONTROLS XBOX 360 XBOX CONTROLS PARENTAL C C C

C C

You can control the following on your Xbox 360 console: You can control the following on C

5. 4. 2. 3. 1. Set parental controls through your computer Set parental controls 5. MANAGING DEVICES PAGE 66 contact XboxSupportforfurtherhelp. If youcan’tremembertheanswertoyourpasscode question, you’ll haveto 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. question yousetuppreviouslyusingparentalcontrols.Here’show: If you’ve forgotten your pass code, you can reset it byanswering the pass code 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. To changeyourpasscode: When you’re notified that your pass code is incorrect, select isincorrect, code to entertheanswer,thenselect pass When yourpasscodequestionappears,usecontrollerorchatpad your that Reset PassCode notified you’re When When you’reprompted,enteranypasscode(eventhoughit’sincorrect). Select acontentcontrolsettingtochange. On yourconsole,goto Select Select Enter anew4-buttonpasscodetwice. Select Select Enter your4-buttonpasscode. On yourconsole,goto Save andExit Done Change PassCode Change PassCode . . . Settings Settings again. . , andthenselect , andthenselect Done . Family Family . .

MANAGING DEVICES PAGE 67 GAMING button to see . Guide timer. Family . Weekly Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s or Continue Daily , and then select Settings button on the Xbox controller. When the time When the time the Xbox controller. button on . . Guide to turn on Console Safety. to turn on Console Save and Exit On Family Timer On your console, go to On your console, When a Family Timer notification appears, press the When a Family Timer notification appears, the Family Timer options. Enter your pass code using your controller. the timer, or turn the console off. Choose to add more time, suspend Enter a 4-button pass code using your controller. Enter a 4-button pass Select want to set a Select whether you to increase or time period and use the left stick Move down to the period, then select decrease the time Select Select

1. automatically resets the next day or week. automatically resets remains by pressing the remains the Family Timer used again until down and can’t be console shuts expires, the console on a daily or weekly basis. Family members can see how much time can see how basis. Family members a daily or weekly console on Set the Family Timer Set the Family use your time your family can the amount of Timer to limit Use the Family

2. 3.

1. To add time or suspend the Family Timer To add time or suspend the Family entering your pass code. warning so that they can save their games. However, when one of these warning so that they can save their time or disable the timer altogether by notifications appears, you can add minutes, and 5 minutes before the time runs out. These give players sufficient minutes, and 5 minutes before the When the Family Timer is on, notifications will appear 1 hour, 30 minutes, 15 When the Family Timer is on, notifications 7.

5. 6. 4. 3. 2. MANAGING DEVICES PAGE 68 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Create aSubaccount 7. Passcode. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Restrict UseofPS4Features or CreateaSubAccount. PlayStation has easy to use Parental Controls. You can Restrict Use of PlayStation PARENTAL CONTROLSPLAYSTATION4 Follow thestepsinemail thatwassenttoyou. Verify yourBillingInformation. Enter thenewuser’sLanguageandDateofBirth. Select the“ Select Go to The numberscorrespondwithanESRBratingCategory. Select anumberrangingfromLevel1through11. Enter thecurrentpasswordandthenyou’llbepromptedtoenteranew Select “ Select “ Select the“ Select Go to Settings Settings Parental Controls Parental Controls Change Passcode Application 10: AO(AdultsOnly) 9: M(Mature) 5: T(Teen) 4: E10+(Everyone10+) 3: E(Everyone) 2: EC(EarlyChildhood) Restrict UseofPS4Features Create NewSub-Account intheDynamicMenu. intheDynamicMenu. ”. bypressingtheXbutton. bypressingtheXbutton. ”. ” option. ”. Parent’s Guide to GAMING 07 TAKING CONTROL P71 | CHOOSING THE RIGHT GAME P73 | SETTING THE APPROPRIATE LIMITS P75 | CONTROLLING ENVIRONMENT WHERE GAMES ARE PLAYED P77 | BRACE YOURSELF P78 | HAVING OTHER ACTIVITIES TO DO P79 | MAKING GAMES A SOCIAL ACTIVITY P81 | TEACHING YOUR CHILD ABOUT VIDEO GAME DEVELOPMENT P82 | BE WARY OF FREE MOBILE GAMES P83 | NO GAMBLING SIMS FOR U18 P84 | STAY SAFE ONLINE P85 | KNOW THE PARENTAL CONTROLS AND CLASSIFICATION P86 | GET HELP! PAGE 69 TAKING CONTROL PAGE 70 can dotohelpyoubettermanagegaminginyourhome,forfamily. This chapter is about taking control. We’ll give you a series of tips and things you house arealchallenge. daunting. There isnoshame inthisbutitcanmake controlling gaming in the quite them of workings the find who people those of one be may you and days With gaming, this canbeabitmore challenging. Games are soaccessiblethese reasons. wouldn’t allow your child to watch an R rated movie, for example, for very good and technology consumption. You shouldbetheonesetting the boundaries. You As aparent, it isessential that youareabletomaintain control ofyourchild’smedia Manage gaminginyourhome TAKING CONTROL PAGE 71 GAMING

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start from the beginning or simply hand it to your child. start from the beginning or simply your own time to check it out. Then you either re-download it so your child can re-download it so either you Then it out. time to check your own This is even easier on the mobile platform. You can first download the game in this style of game. Check your child’s reaction to the content and assess whether they are ready for whether and assess Check your child’s reaction to the content they get to play the game or not. this is the review phase and that you still have not made a decision on whether still have this is the review phase and that you play it yourself or at least watch as your child starts playing the game. Explain that Explain game. playing the your child starts watch as least or at play it yourself If you like what you see, then the next step would be to purchase the game and game the step would be to purchase next the then If you like what you see, is the best way to quickly find out what the game is all about. quickly find out what the game is is the best way to To get a feel for the game you can preview some of its gameplay on YouTube. This on YouTube. of its gameplay preview some you can game for the To get a feel read the previous chapter. read the previous in the game. If you are unsure about how the Classification system works, please Well, the first step is to check the Classification for a neutral rating ofthe content So how do you do this? So how do you do are appropriate and suitable. The same way you would assess the safety and and the safety you would assess way The same and suitable. are appropriate of any other toy. suitability If you let your child play video games you need to be able to decide which games games decide which to be able to need you play video games child let your you If CHOOSING THE RIGHT GAME THE RIGHT CHOOSING TAKING CONTROL PAGE 72 later ondownthetrack. gameplay. This will make it a lot easier to have a conversation about the game Also, because of the prep workyou’ve put in, you will knowthe game and its around. Thisisreallyimportant. will recognise that you’ve actually chosen the game for them. Not the other way Make surethegameisbeneficialforyourchild. By using the checklist we provided at theendofBENEFITS By usingthechecklistweprovided chapter youshouldbeabletodeterminewhetherthisgame understanding of what the game entails and your child By doing this, you will find that you now have a good will haveapositiveinfluenceonyourchild’slife. happy withit,youcanthen pass itontoyourchild. If thegamepasses all ofthechecklists and you’re TAKING CONTROL PAGE 73 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

3 races of 3 laps in a racing game. 3 matches in a football game Recreate your room in Minecraft 2 levels in a platform game

exactly what you’re allowing them to do. exactly what you’re allowing them to This shows your child that you understand the game and that you’ve defined

can set limits that make more sense. For example: can set limits that make more sense. Time limits are especially good when you are unfamiliar with or are unable to to unable are or with unfamiliar are you when good especially are limits Time you a good understanding of the game have monitor the game. However, if you do course you need to take other things into account as well such as violent content, course you need to take other things gambling content, and so on… So, one hour of gaming per day, as a guide, seems to be a good piece of advice. Of advice. of piece good a be to seems guide, a as per day, gaming of hour one So, ‘A moderate amount of gaming (one hour per day) is better for true for boys.’ gaming at all. And this is particularly your child than no

However, the research did have an interesting outcome: did have an interesting outcome: However, the research child in the world. child in the world. just too many variables involved to provide a general answer that would suit every answer that involved to provide a general variables just too many But the results were inconclusive: it depends on your child, their age, their their age, it depends on your child, inconclusive: were But the results and so on… There were content, its itself, the game technology, of understanding measurable and practical answer to what is a difficult question. answer to what is a difficult measurable and practical play video games? Research into this was undertaken recently by Dr Pryzbylski recently by was undertaken into this Research games? play video actual an guide; a parents give to attempt an It was fame. University Oxford of So, what is the answer to the million dollar question: How long can I let my child my let I can long How question: dollar million the to answer the is what So, SETTING THE APPROPRIATE LIMITS THE APPROPRIATE SETTING TAKING CONTROL PAGE 74 the fridgeifyoulikesothatcanrefertoitanytime theycomeandasktoplay. for yourchild.Writethem Setting limitsmakes out on it veryclearand predictable going tobe. for holidays. Others are comfortable with deciding on the day what the limits are with rules. Some families work best with set limits for schooldays and set limits can change them at random. This really depends on your child and how they deal If you are the one who sets the limits, then, you can change the limits and you A finalwordaboutlimits. already givenawaycontrolofthedeviceanditwillbeverydifficulttogetback! what your kids are playing and without setting any limits. If you do this you’ve without knowing For example:ItmaybetimetostophandingovertheiPadblindly household. As aparentyoushould be the one who sets the limits orrules within your o’e hsn h gm ad o yuv shown you’ve now and game the chosen You’ve them whattheycandowithinthisgame. You havecontrol! TAKING CONTROL PAGE 75 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s fine. But if it’s hard foryou to manage the behaviour of your child, it would be gaming other room where the kids feel like they like feel kids the where room other the bedroom, or the kids’ playroom or any or playroom kids’ the or bedroom, the have ownership. advisable to keep gaming in common areas common in gaming keep to advisable you are in control of the gaming, then that’s then gaming, the in control of are you

wherever you feel like you are in control. Not control. in are you like feel you wherever

There are many parents however that will let their will let that however parents many are There if you feel that kids play wherever they want. And This can be the kitchen, the living room or room living the kitchen, the be can This where you can monitor what’s happening.

is doing and it will also help create a dialogue about the game. Seeing the game in action will give you a better understanding of what your child what of better understanding will give you a in action game the Seeing doing! You don’t have to like the games, but you do need to know what your kids are but you do need games, to like the don’t have You as you can. If your kids play in the common areas you should try and be a part of it as much you should try and be a part of it as areas common If your kids play in the is out of mind. Again this may not work depending on your situation. But seeing work depending on your situation. is out of mind. Again this may not desire to play it. the device will definitely trigger the Another trick is to put away the consoles or devices when not in use. Out of sight sight of Out use. in not when or devices consoles the away put to is trick Another for, it is time to set up an area where they can play and that should be in an area area be in an and that should can play area where they up an to set for, it is time you have control. where, once again, Now that you’ve chosen which game they can play and how long they can play it and how long they play can they which game chosen you’ve Now that GAMES ARE PLAYED GAMES CONTROLLING THE ENVIRONMENT WHERE ENVIRONMENT THE CONTROLLING TAKING CONTROL PAGE 76 she hascompleteownershipandcontroloverthe your responsibilitytoknowwhathappensinthis choose ifyou’reinvolvedinthisgamingornot.If you haveayoungchildplayingvideogames,itis video game.Inthisscenario,youareunableto You wanttoavoidyourchildfeelinglikeheor space. TAKING CONTROL PAGE 77 GAMING

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yourself and prepare for how to deal with it. Don’t panic, your child’s desire to play and prepare for how yourself they are ‘addicted’! more does not necessarily mean that Now that you know that you can expect this type of behaviour, you can brace Now that you know that you can so that your child knows what to expect when they get off the game. so that your child knows what to expect This is where you need to be strong and stick to the limits you’ve set. Be consistent Be set. you’ve limits the to stick and strong be to need you where is This ‘boring’ in comparison. Which, in turn, will make them act up and demand more demand and up act them will make turn, in Which, comparison. ‘boring’ in gaming time. Real life is nowhere near as stimulating as gaming and your child will feel that it is it that feel child will your and gaming as stimulating as near nowhere is life Real settling back into normal life. settling back into Don’t be surprised if your child is grumpy and annoyed after gaming. They are just are They after gaming. annoyed and your child is grumpy if be surprised Don’t of the most captivating things that you can expose children to. So, when you take children to. So, when you take that you can expose things of the most captivating you will definitely see a reaction! this away from them, dopamine levels in the brain. Video games are exciting, engaging, and can be one and can engaging, exciting, are Video games brain. the in levels dopamine Your child of stimuli causing increased just been exposed to a barrage has for the impact it’s having on them. it’s having on for the impact You’ve just allowed you child to play a video game; now it’s time to take responsibility responsibility time to take now it’s to play a video game; allowed you child just You’ve GET READY AND BRACE YOURSELF FOR IMPACT FOR BRACE YOURSELF AND GET READY TAKING CONTROL PAGE 78 the rulesinreallifemaymakeseemalotmore interesting. give them a feelingofcontrol,particularlyonlinerole playinggames. Loosening life isoften the number one reason why childrenretreat into online worlds. Games Give yourchildsome input indeciding whattheydo.Alackofpower/controlinreal reading abooktogethermayleadtopassionforliterature,etc. For instance, kicking a ball around with them may help instila love of soccer or By engaging in activities with yourchildyouwillhelpthem develop otherinterests. ownwhilst ontheir themselves gaming butintherealworldthatmaynotbeaseasy. entertaining fine perfectly be may child Your your childfindtherewardingthingswithinit. So, asaparent,weneedtocultivate their perceptionofthe real worldandhelp will beatriskofmentalhealthconcerns. If a child only gains their sense of achievement and reward from a video game they rewarded andentertainedhereaswell. ofexcitement/ level same stimuli. However, your child has to return to the ‘real world’ and will want to feel the offers that nothing simply is there eyes, their in As stated before, when you take away the game, your child willbe bored because, TOYS/ACTIVITIES/THINGS TODO MAKE SUREYOURKIDSHAVEOTHER TAKING CONTROL PAGE 79 GAMING

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in this fantasy world. We need to make them aware that it is not possible for them to live their entire life entire their live to them for possible not is it that aware them make to need We integral part of the real world and not seen as an alternative. integral part of the As parents, however, we want to make sure that the video game remains an an remains game video the that sure make to want we however, parents, As and immersive capability are definitely part of the attraction. are definitely part of the attraction. and immersive capability Video games are becoming more and more realistic and their incredible graphics and more realistic and their incredible are becoming more Video games immerse themselves in this ‘fantasy’ world will feel for a moment that the real the that moment a for will feel world ‘fantasy’ this in themselves immerse exist. world doesn’t Video games can be used as an escape from the real world. Young people who people world. Young real the from escape as an be used can Video games MAKE GAMES A SOCIAL ACTIVITY GAMES A SOCIAL MAKE TAKING CONTROL PAGE 80 sure thatthey’resafeinthisspace. child that you’re incharge. That you accepttheirhobbiesbutjustwanttomake If youorganise these sorts ofactivitiesandmanage them well, itwillshowyour beforehand! over what is played, when and how. You do this by making clear agreements to monitorthem and perhapseven play along. Again, make sure you have control Make sure thatyourchildrenplayinthecommon areas and thatyou’rearound online character. social connections but also shows that there is a real person behind the avatar or Playing socially, together in the same room with others not only promotes real life play videogamestogetherisagreat,funwayofdoingthis. of the real world isto introduce real life into video games. Inviting friends over to One ofthebestwaystogetyourkidsunderstandthatvideogames are apart

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This again introduces a ‘real life’ aspect to video games. This again introduces a ‘real life’ aspect understand that gaming isn’t just some fantasy world or place to escape to. It to. escape world or place to fantasy some just isn’t gaming that understand really is just a bunch of code on a computer. Understanding how a game works and is developed will help make your child your make help developed will is and works game a how Understanding Also, even more than the obvious gain in skill development that can be achieved. be can that development skill in gain obvious the than more even Also, work. games for what makes understanding Children will also begin to develop an principles of game development. principles of game Children can start to develop games as soon as they can read and there are there and read can they as soon as develop games to start Children can the to children introduce to available programs software age-appropriate many Video game development can be a great introduction into coding, programing, introduction into coding, great can be a development Video game and so on. graphic design, engineering,

many of the top companies of today are looking for. many of the top companies Why not use their love of gaming to teach them some essential skills. Skills that skills. essential some them love of gaming to teach their Why not use So they love gaming and want to play all the time. No surprises there… time. No surprises to play all the gaming and want So they love VIDEO GAME DEVELOPMENT VIDEO TEACH YOUR CHILD ABOUT YOUR CHILD TEACH TAKING CONTROL PAGE 82 few dollarsanditisworthforthepeaceofmind. Again, check ifyoucanunlockthegame and itsfullcontent. It’s likelytobeonlya Apple/Google assignstheadvertisingtogame. advertising. to game the of parts different assign just developers The developers. child. Thisadvertisingisusually managedorGoogle;notbytheactual by Apple Free games are also likely to feature advertising that may not be suitable for your without havingtospendmoney. Look out for in-apppurchases. Check whether you can unlock the complete game your child. games feature certainmonetisation techniques that can betrickytonavigate for would beunreasonable for us to expect there to be no charge. Therefore mobile Games developers often work formonths, even yearstocreatetheirgame. It upfront. found some creative ways to monetise their work withouthaving to charge a fee However, inthisdayandage, we expecteverything to befree. So theindustryhas Because thereisnosuchthingasafreelunch BE WARYOFFREEMOBILEGAMES

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game and it’s not! Gambling can be risky and should always be done responsibly! Gambling can be risky and should game and it’s not! Gambling apps make gambling look harmless. It makes it look as if it is merely a it look as if it It makes gambling look harmless. Gambling apps make gambling, but it’s a risk you shouldn’t take. gambling, but it’s Teaching kids how to gamble at an early age, even if it is for points or coins, is for points or coins, if it is even at an early age, kids how to gamble Teaching real-money any to leading it is that suggest to yet evidence no is There unhealthy.

find in the app stores. they’ll develop a gambling issue later on in life. What we don’t know is whether this whether is know don’t we What life. in on later issue gambling a develop they’ll you that games style casino the on like practice gambling in engaging when true is Research clearly tells us that the younger one starts gambling the more likely it is the more likely it starts gambling the younger one clearly tells us that Research CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER 18 UNDER PEOPLE AND YOUNG CHILDREN NO GAMBLING SIMULATION GAMES FOR GAMES FOR SIMULATION NO GAMBLING TAKING CONTROL PAGE 84 C C C C C C C C C Here areafewsimpletipstohelpprotectyourchildonline. STAY SAFEONLINE C C C C C C C C C scams andcontainvirusesthateffectyourcomputer, phoneortablet. Don’t open emails from an unknown person, delete them, these could be don’t feelcomfortablewitheveryoneseeing. by anyone and spread without your knowledge. Don’t put pictures online you Be careful about whatpicturesyouarepostingonline, these can becopied to protectyourself. Set up privacy options on social networking sites like Facebook to be safe and Know howtoreportharassmentonsocialmediaandonlinevideogames. mobile tostaysafe. Block, delete,andreportanyone who isharassing you onlineandonyour Log outandstopmessagingothersifyoufeelarebeingharassed. know howtomakeyouangry. have said. It can be used against you or even encourage bullies because they Don’t respond to messages when you are upset. You may regret what you Don’t useyourrealnameonline,anicknameormadeupname. numbers withpeopleorwebsitesyoudon’tknow. Don’t shareprivate information like passwords,name and addressorphone TAKING CONTROL PAGE 85 GAMING

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Use them! They are very user-friendly. Use them! They are parental controls. They give you the power to choose what your kids are playing; your kids are what to choose give you the power controls. They parental to and what not. what they are exposed As discussed earlier in this guide, most consoles and devices have excellent excellent have and devices consoles most guide, in this earlier As discussed AND CLASSIFICATION KNOW THE PARENTAL CONTROLS CONTROLS THE PARENTAL KNOW TAKING CONTROL PAGE 86 regain control. about whatyoucando;orwhichmeasures they cansuggest you putinplaceto Help is available and there is no shame in having a conversation with a professional become outofhandandyou’velostcontrol. help. The next chapter is all about what to do when you feel that the gaming has seeking consider should you practice into put to difficult are tips these of any If GET HELP! Parent’s Guide to GAMING 08 WHEN THINGS GET OUT OF HAND

P90 | IDENTIFYING GAMING DISORDERS P91 | THE NINE CRITERIA P94 | GAMING DISORDER QUESTIONNAIRE P95 | WHERE AND HOW TO GET HELP P96 | WHAT IF YOUR CHILD DOESN’T WANT ANY HELP? P97 | LINKS AND REFERRALS

PAGE 87 GETTING OUT OF HAND PAGE 88 measure theimpactthatvideogamesarehavingon theirlife. In order for us to identify whether your child needs extra help we’ll need to it developingintoaseriousmentalhealthissuedown thetrack. mentioned above. You still have the right to be concerned and may want to avoid But even if your child’s behaviour hasn’t yet evolved to the high impact stage breakdowns andevenpoliceinvolvement… need to take action as doing nothing may lead tomental health issues, family the wellbeing of your family. These issues won’t goaway by themselves. You will and wellbeing your on impact significant a have can that issues serious are These C C C In shortyou’llneedhelpfromaprofessionalifyou’re Professional helpisavailable Where doyougowhenyou’vetriedeverything?GoodNews! impacted bythem? severely becoming is and obsessively games video playing is child Your conflict? What if everyattempt to negotiate or manage your child’sbehaviour ends up in Houston, wehaveaproblem C C C Dealing withapartnerwhoisunderminingyou Dealing withviolenceoraggressioninthehome Dealing withanemotionalissuethatyoudon’tseemtohaveahandleon GETTING OUT OF HAND PAGE 89 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s an appropriate treatment plan in place. an appropriate treatment plan you or your family needs further assistance. you or your family about your child’s gaming, you should contact a gaming, you should contact about your child’s It’s important to note that this is only a guide. The to note that this is only a guide. It’s important

professional to help you diagnose the situation and put help you diagnose the situation professional to It is NOT designed to self-diagnose! If you are concerned to self-diagnose! If you are It is NOT designed information in this page is designed to help you identify if this page is designed to help information in

a consensus on how to identify Internet Gaming Disorder. Internet Gaming on how to identify a consensus So, as a guide, we can use the same criteria as the one suggested by the international international by the suggested one the as criteria same the use as a guide, we can So, made and identified has group This Disorders. Gaming Internet on group working GETTING OUT OF HAND PAGE 90 considerable negativeimpactonyourlife. are met within a one year period, you can conclude that gaming is having a The nine criteria are outlined on the following pages. If 4 or more of these criteria setto was ofcriteria detect whethersomeonehasagamingdisorderorproblemissue. set A DSM-5. within defined as disorder gaming internet Australasia collaborated to discuss and achieve consensus about how to assess A group of international experts from Europe, North and South America, Asia, and HOW TOIDENTIFYGAMINGDISORDERS Please read‘wheretogethelp’ and ‘links and referrals’ sectionsof are concerned and recognise someof these criteria in your child’s This listand questionnaire is only to be used as aguide. If you behaviour, westronglyrecommendyouseekprofessionalhelp. this chaptertofindoutmore. PLEASE NOTE! GETTING OUT OF HAND PAGE 91 GAMING

Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

or activities or, at least, attempting to reduce their involvement. they were involved in. This may end up with the person quitting their other hobbies person quitting their other end up with the may were involved in. This they The person has had a loss of interest in other life activities, such as hobbies. The person has had a loss of interest in other life activities, such as hobbies or activities in the interest less gamer expressing the like looks usually This

a behaviour, but being unable to do so, would reflect the criterion, because such to a problematic level. desires presume that play has risen attempts to cut down or reduce gaming. Similarly, desiring to cease or cut back on Similarly, desiring to cease gaming. to cut down or reduce attempts Inquiries about this criterion should focus not only on attempts to stop but also focus Inquiries about this criterion should The person has tried to stop or curb playing Internet games, but has failed The person has tried to stop or curb to do so. more powerful media equipment. Tolerance refers to feeling the need to play games for longer periods of time to time periods of for longer to play games need the to feeling refers Tolerance or exciting games for more need the involve also it may excitement; experience feel its desired effects. For gaming, desiredeffects usually relate to excitement. A build-up of tolerance - more time needs to be spent playing the games. A build-up of tolerance - more time in an activity to of time spent amount Tolerance is characterised by an increasing and/or when one is purposefully trying to stop gaming. and/or when one is purposefully trying emotions. These abrupt emotional responses, however, are not withdrawal. not are however, responses, abrupt emotional These emotions. gaming initiate to unable is one when arise that symptoms to refers Withdrawal disconnects the internet during a game, a child is likely to express extreme extreme express to likely is child a game, a during internet the disconnects with gaming must be distinguished from emotions that arise in response to an response that arise in be distinguished from emotions with gaming must episode. If a parent abruptly or stopping a gaming external force preventing behaviour or is attempting to reduce or stop it. Withdrawal symptoms associated symptoms to reduce or stop it. Withdrawal is attempting or behaviour Withdrawal refers to symptoms that emerge when one is unable to engage in a one is unable to engage when to symptoms that emerge Withdrawal refers Withdrawal symptoms when not playing Internet games. when not playing Internet Withdrawal symptoms gaming occurring throughout the day. gaming occurring only while playing but also during times of non-play, with excessive thoughts about thoughts excessive with non-play, of times during also but playing while only Pre-occupation relates to spending substantial amounts of time thinking about an thinking of time amounts substantial to spending relates Pre-occupation not games about thinking be child must your met, be to criterion this For activity. Preoccupation or obsession with Internet games. with Internet or obsession Preoccupation THE NINE CRITERIA THE NINE GETTING OUT OF HAND PAGE 92 problems orrelievenegativeemotionalstates. This criterion can relate to playing games to escape from or forget about real-life difficulties. with cope or moods modify to method a becomes gaming Problem – it’sawaytoescape. The personusesInternetgamestorelieveanxiety orguilt individual ishidingitfromothersimpliesthathasbecome problematic. living withparents. Nevertheless, gaming that has risen toalevelsuch that the Adults living on their own may be less likely to lie about or hide gaming than a child people. The social environment should be consideredinassessing this criterion. Typically, deceitis directed towardsfamily members, friends, or other important The personliedtoothersabouthisorherInternetgameusage. age (e.g.school,work,parents,andpartners). on based differentially manifest will dysfunction because considered be should (e.g.neglecting household chores that not beconsidered do not cause difficulties). Social and should developmental aspects relevance clinical little of effects and the criterion, negative consequences must involve central areas of functioning, although much sleep), fulfil To significant. and persistent are problems the that is criterion the in implicit too losing (e.g., health influence adversely may Gaming to gaming. spending too much money, having arguments, or neglecting important duties due physical in nature. Some negative consequences are: being late to school/work, consequences of thisbehaviour,whicharemorelikelytobepsychosocial than negative significant of aware is he though even play to continues individual The edge ofhowmuchtheyimpactaperson’slife. A personhashadcontinuedoveruseofInternetgamesevenwiththeknowl - GETTING OUT OF HAND PAGE 93 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s immediately.

a considerable negative impact on your child’s life. a considerable negative impact We strongly recommend you seek professional help We strongly recommend you year period, you can conclude that gaming is having year period, you can conclude

If four or more of these criteria are met within a one If four or more of these criteria ongoing gaming issue, please seek professional help. ongoing gaming issue, please these criteria but feel your child is showing signs of an these criteria but feel your child If you’re not sure about these criteria or how to identify to how or criteria these about sure not you’re If

would be met. achieved, courses are failed or the person drops out of school, then this criterion this then school, of person drops out or the failed are courses achieved, home) then, this criterion would be met. Similarly, if neglecting studies in order to studies in order if neglecting Similarly, would be met. this criterion then, home) overall course grade is usual worse than a much that occurs to the extent game jeopardised due to gaming (e.g., arguments involving physical force or leaving involving physical force arguments to gaming (e.g., jeopardised due do not rise to a level in which relationships are severed, but if a relationship is relationship a if but severed, are relationships which in level a to rise not do homework assignment or being late for school or work due to gaming, behaviour behaviour gaming, to work due or school for late being or assignment homework usually gaming about parents with Arguments 6. criterion with consistent more This criterion is intended to reflect more substantial issues than neglecting a The person has lost or put at risk and opportunity or relationship because of because or relationship at risk and opportunity has lost or put The person games. internet GETTING OUT OF HAND PAGE 94 9. depression? 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Questions year period. To identifyaGamingDisorderoneneedsminimum of foursymptoms over aone Gaming DisorderintheDSM-5. gaming disorder. The questions relate directly tothe nine proposed criteriaof This questionnaire wasdevelopedbytheDSM-5 international working groupon GAMING DISORDERQUESTIONNAIRE opportunities becauseofgaming? Do youriskorlosesignificant relationships,orjob,educationalcareer relieve uncomfortablefeelingssuchasguilt,anxiety, helplessness or Do yougametoescapefromorforgetaboutpersonal problems,orto keep yourfamilyorfriendsfromknowinghowmuch yougame? Do you lie to family, friends or others about how much you game, or try to neglecting importantduties? work, spendingtoomuchmoney,havingarguments with others,or consequences, suchasnotgettingenoughsleep,being latetoschool/ Do youcontinuetoplaygameseventhoughare awareofnegative activities (hobbies,meetingswithfriends)duetogaming? Do youloseinterestinorreduceparticipationotherrecreational amount oftimeyouspendplayinggames? Do youfeelthatshouldplayless,butareunabletocutbackonthe of excitementyouusedtoget? exciting games, or usemorepowerfulequipmenttogetthesame amount Do youfeeltheneedtoplayforincreasingamountsoftime,more attempting tocutdownorstopgamingwhenyouareunableplay? Do youfeelrestless,irritable,moody,angry,anxiousorsadwhen playing orplanningwhenyoucanplaynext? Do youspendalotoftimethinkingaboutgamesevenwhenarenot GETTING OUT OF HAND PAGE 95 GAMING Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s

Understands the positives and negatives about video game playing Understands the positives and negatives approach Takes a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Understands addiction technology Understands and is comfortable with and young people Specialises in working with children

C C C C C C C C C C Ideally you find a counsellor who: So, how do you find a counsellor that can deal with your issues? So, how do you find a counsellor that be able to discuss with you many different ways that you can continue monitoring continue can you that ways different many you with discuss to able be your family’s gaming behaviour. any cause for concern. Even if there is no cause for concern, the professional will for concern, the professional if there is no cause Even any cause for concern. Getting some advice or ideas/tips on how to deal with these kinds of behavioural behavioural of kinds with these deal to how on or ideas/tips advice some Getting issues can really help. The professional will definitely be able to advise if there is Parenting isn’t easy. Neither is asking for help. Parenting isn’t easy. to deal with them. looked at by someone whose seen these issues before and is experienced on how on experienced is and before issues these seen whose by someone at looked We recommend contacting a professional early. It never hurts to have your situation situation your have to hurts never It early. professional a contacting recommend We concern. What can you do? What can you do? concern. So, you’ve looked at the criteria and now feel that there may be some cause for cause may be some there that and now feel looked at the criteria So, you’ve WHERE TO GET HELP? WHERE WHAT IF YOUR CHILD DOESN’T WANT ANY HELP?

Young people, who game compulsively, are often shy and introverted. This is why the virtual world, with its limited and basic human interaction, works for them in the first place. So seeing a counsellor is often scary for them.

Telling your child to go see a counsellor is a big step in any case. You want to avoid your child feeling as if they’re ‘not good enough’ or crazy. This means you will have to approach it very carefully. A few tips:

CC Avoid conflicts about gaming CC Develop a supportive and positive relationship with your child around the gaming CC Make sure that 9 out of 10 conversations about gaming are positive. The 10th one can then be about the negative impacts on your child and your concerns

This will obviously be a challenge. You want your child to stop playing games all the time, so being positive about gaming is not going to come easy. However if you have gaming causes conflicts between you and your child, s/he may not accept any advice or guidance from you about gaming related issues.

PAGE 96 GETTING OUT OF HAND PAGE 97 GAMING – A counselling service – A counselling – Beyondblue works to – Beyondblue – Visit the website to find Parent’s Guide to to Guide Parent’s – A crisis support and suicide prevention suicide and support crisis A – www.kidshelpline.com is the leading online youth mental health service, health is the leading online youth mental www.beyondblue.org.au www.headspace.org.au www.lifeline.org.au

au.reachout.com au.reachout.com

information about local services that provide support and counselling to young support and counselling about local services that provide information people. Your local government youth service: Contact your local government to receive your local government Contact service: youth Your local government

address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance misuse substance related and anxiety depression, with associated issues address 24/7. disorders in Australia. Support is available BeyondBlue: 1300 22 4636 or providing help, information and support. Reachout.com: health; mental health and counselling; education, employment, and other services. and counselling; health mental health; families. A range of youth friendly health professionals can help you with general professionals friendly health of youth A range families. your closest Headspace Centre. Headspace provides mental and health wellbeing health and Headspace provides mental Headspace Centre. your closest their and years 25 to 12 aged people young to services and support information Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800 or

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or 14 11 13 Lifeline: line for all Australians Crisis Support Lines If you need emergency assistance, please phone 000 now. please phone emergency assistance, If you need Emergency Assistance Emergency LINKS & REFERRALS (AUSTRALIA) & REFERRALS LINKS

Headspace: 1800 650 890 or suitable, local support service. personal situation and your GP should be able to give you a referral to the most to the should be able to give you a referral and your GP personal situation Counselling and Support Counselling and your Discuss contact. of point first a as GP regular your visit Please GP: Local Your specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. specifically for young REFERENCES

Richard Ryan, Scott Rigby, Andrew Przybylski (2006). The motivational pull of video games: a self-determination theory approach, Springer Science + Business Media

Andrew Przybylski, Richard Ryan, Scott Rigby (2010). A motivational model of video game engagement, Review of General Psychology, Vol. 10, No. 2, 154 – 166

Andrew Przybylski, Netta Weinstein, Richard Ryan, Scott Rigby (2009). Having to versus wanting to play: background and consequences of harmonious versus obsessive engagement in video games, CyberPsychology & Behaviour, Vol. 12, No. 5

AE Mark, WF Boyce, I Janssen (2006). Television viewing, computer use and total screen time in Canadian youth. Paediatric Child Health 2006;11(9):595-599.

Isabela Granic, Adam Lobel, Rutger C.M.E.Engels (2014). The benefits of playing video games, American Psychologist, Vol. 69, No. 1, 66 – 78. DOI: 10.1037/a0034857

Daniel Johnson, Christian Jones, Laura Scholes, Michelle Carras (2013). Videogames and wellbeing, Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre, Melbourne

Scott Rigby, Andrew Przybylski (2009). Virtual worlds and the learner hero; How today’s video games dcan inform tomorrow’s digital learning environments, Theory and research in education, Vol. 7, 214 – 223

Marius Drugas (2014). Educational video games in the middle: Parents, psychologists, gamers. A pilot study. Romanian Journal of School Psychology, Vol. 7, No. 13, 25 - 41

Daniel King, Paul Delfabbro (2009). Understanding and assisting excessive players of video games: a community psychology perspective, The Australian Community Psychologist, Vol.21, No.1.

Daniel King, Paul Delfabbro (2014). The cognitive psychology of Internet Gaming Disorder, Clinical Psychology Review 34, 298 – 308

PAGE 98 Parent’s Guide to GAMING

Andrew Przybylski, Netta Weinstein, Kou Murayama, Martin Lynch, Richard Ryan (2012). The ideal self at play: The appeal of video games that let you be all you can be, Psychological Science Vol. 23

Antonius Van Rooij, Daria Kuss, Mark Griffiths, Gillian Shorter, Tim Schoenmakers, Dike Van De Mheen (2014). The (co-)occurrence of problematic video gaming, substance use, and psychosocial problems in adolescents, Journal of Behavioural Addictions

Na Ri Kim, Samuel Suk-Hyun Hwang, Jung-Seok Choi, Dai-Jin Kim, Demetrovics Zsolt, Orsolya Kiraly, Katalin Nagygyorgy, Matk D. Griffiths, So Yeon Hyun, Hyun Chul Youn, Sam-Wook Choi (2014). Characteristics and Psychiatric symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder among adults using self reported DSM-5 criteria

Wendy Li, Samson Tse, Mark David Chong (2013). Why Chinese International students gamble: Behavioural Decision Making and its Impact on Identity Construction. Springer Schience + Business Media New York

Mark D Griffiths (2014) Problematic technology use during adolescence: Why don’t teenagers seek treatment?

Canale, N., et al., (2015) Trait urgency and gambling problems in young people by age: The mediating role of decision-making processes, Addictive Behaviours.

Kiraly et al. (2015) The mediating effect of gaming motivation between psychiatric symptoms and problematic online gaming: an online survey. J Med Internet Res, vol. 17, iss. 4 Ortiz de Gortari, A.B., Griffiths, M.D. (2015). Game transfer phenomena and its associated factors: an exploratory empirical online survey study. Computers in human behaviours, 51, 195 – 202.

Yi Mou, Wei Peng (2009). Gender and racial stereotypes in popular video games, IGI Global

Yvette Whon Donghee (2011). Gender and race representation in casual games, Springer Science + Business media PAGE 99 Judith Levine (2013). Only a game: Why censoring new media won’t stop gun violence

Behm – Morawitz, E, Ta, D (2014). Cultivating virtual stereotypes?: The impact of video games on racial/ethnic stereotypes.

Lavinia McLean, Mark Griffiths (2013). The Psychological Effects of Videogames on Young people: A review. International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Division, Nottingham University

Douglas Gentile (2009). Video games affect the brain – for better and worse, The Dana Foundation

Christopher M. Olsen (2011). Natural Rewards, Neuroplasticity, and Non-Drug Addictions. Neuropharmacology 61 (7): 1109 – 1122.

PAGE 100 Parent’s Guide to GAMING

KEY WORDS

Addiction First Person Shooter Benefits Sports Games Problem solving Action games Strategic development Real Time Strategy Games Emotional development Platform Games Stress Casual Games Expression Language Manual skills Classification Hand- eye coordination Parental Controls Fitness Windows Social development Xbox Risks Playstation Gaming disorder IOS/Apple Gambling Android Advertising Limits Cyber-safety Game Development Cyber bullying Mobile games Bullying Symptoms Violence Questionnaire Gender Help Racism Links Gaming genres Referrals MMORPG

PAGE 101 HOW THIS GUIDE CAME ABOUT

Manningham YMCA started studying the impact of video games on children and young people in 2011 when anecdotal reports were received from local young people being negatively impacted.

In October 2012 Manningham YMCA released ‘The Video Games Report’ outlining the impact of video games on young people. The report was well received in the youth sector leading to several requests for presentations and workshops for youth services teams in and outside of the City of Manningham.

Manningham YMCA has developed a suite of programs to engage gamers in positive skill development. These programs included The Lab, Pixel Arcade and a Gaming Leadership Group. In 2014 Manningham YMCA received the READYS Award for excellence in the delivery of youth services and programs.

As a leading agency in this field Manningham YMCA delivers presentations and training workshops to parents and professionals. In 2015 Manningham YMCA proposed to develop a guide for parents. Manningham City Council provided the organisation with a grant to develop the guide.

PAGE 102 Parent’s Guide to GAMING

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steven Dupon is the Manager of Manningham YMCA Youth Services, Founding Director of The Institute of Games and Author of the Video Games Report, Parent’s Guide to Gaming and Manual for Dealing with Excessive Gaming.

Steven specialises in the wellbeing of gamers and their families. He provides resources for parents and professionals on how to better manage gaming at home but also looks at how we can use games as an agent for positive change.

Steven has initiated a range of video game related events, workshops and programs. These include:

CC The READYS award winning Video Game Project, CC The XP program: improving mental wellbeing through gaming CC Pixel Arcade: positive, safe, and social video game events CC Game development workshops and courses in schools, libraries and learning centres CC Counselling for gamers and their parents

As an expert on the impact of video games on children and young people, Steven regularly presents on the risks and concerns associated with gaming.

To contact Steven Dupon, please visit:

www.manninghamymcayouthservices.org.au

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