Tips for being safe while playing online video games (parents edition)

 As parents, you will always worry when your kids ask to play video games online. And it is a valid concern as games are evolving and cyber-crimes are increasing. Thus, you need to ensure that your kids do not fall into scams/frauds.

How can you do that? If restricting your kids from playing online video games on their Xbox or PS4 is your idea, then you are wrong. That will cause rebellion amongst them. However, there are a few simple ways that you can undertake to ensure your kids are safe while playing games online. We are listing them below.

1. Make sure you are in the loop

The first step towards protecting your kid from online scammers is to be in the loop. Make your kid trust you so that they tell you if they buy new games or play one. You can do this by going with them to the video game store and buying them the games. That way, you can be sure that you get only the age-appropriate games for them. 

2. Do the research

Every video game is different, and the manufacturer usually classifies what age group should play it. Still, as a parent, you should do your research and make a decision based on what you are comfortable with.

For instance, some parents may be okay with their kids playing hunting games. But only ones which are not military-based. Others may consent to few games with mature violent content, but not sexual ones. To understand which game has what content, you need to read the description of the game. Then you will be able to make the right decision for your kid.

3. Use an HWID spoofer

Kids are smart these days. They know that there are numerous hacks and tips available on the internet. These tips can help them win the game or enhance their play. However, they are unaware that the gaming team can find out about cheats/hacks using HWID, an hardware identifier. Through this, the community can know about the cheat and ban the player. To ensure this doesn’t happen, either never use cheats or hack. Or make sure you have an HWID spoofer that keeps the development team from knowing about the use of hacks. 

4. Educate your child on online safety

 Playing games online is an exciting idea and children love this idea. However, they are unaware that the online gaming community can become obsessive. It is addictive and can lead to other safety issues. Thus, you must educate your children about the risks of playing games online. 

Teach them:

That there will be players who will use strong or abusive languages. The child doesn't need to use them. They can also report the same to you, and you can report it to the gaming authority.

Ask your children to make a username that doesn’t include any personal information. 

Ask them to never share any details about their life with strangers on the internet.

The safety of your kid is in your hands. Follow these tips so that they are safe while enjoying the game.

4 video games you must try in this pandemic

  

The pandemic is still on, in some regions, the cases are increasing, while in others, it is declining. Still, it is not yet over, and thus a few countries are going into lockdown again. If you are in that region, here are a few video games for you to try. If you are not into video games, still, you should try these games out. They are entertaining, and for people in isolation, they can be like a breath of fresh air. Also, they will connect you with tons of people online. Being social can undoubtedly help you out in these challenging times.

So, here are a few video games to try your hands on during this pandemic.

1. Minecraft

Minecraft is one of the most popular games in the world. It allows eight players who can meet online to pair up and explore the vast world of Minecraft. Also, you get to make buildings, like the Taj Mahal, while exploring this adventurous land. Try this game, and you will never feel isolated as it can keep you engaged for hours or weeks.

Available on platforms: Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Smartphone, PC. 

2. PUBG

One of the best battle royale games is PUBG. A beginner can play this game because PUBG is designed for all players. Every player can play this game using different levels. You can play it on PC or mobile (a different version is there for mobile).

In this game, the goal is to go through the map, fight the enemies, and survive to enjoy the chicken dinner. You get to use fancy and realistic weapons and even a frying pan! Use these PUBG hacks and start playing this game now.

Available on platforms: iOS, Windows, Xbox, PlayStation.

3. Sea of thieves

Love pirate movies? Then you will love this game by Rare. In this, four friends can get aboard a ship full of pirates for an adventurous game. So, get your band of friends together and start playing with other players, throwing off skeleton ships. Enjoy adventurous quests and more with this game.

Available on platforms: PC and Xbox one

4. Friday the 13th

It is a popular horror movie that tons of people love. If you are looking to play a horror game with your friends, this is the perfect game. You can play it with up to seven friends. One of the players will be the murderer Jason Voorhees, while the others are the victims. The other players will try to outsmart the killer to live. They will get help from the humongous range of weapons the game provides. It is an exciting game, and you should undoubtedly try it.

Available on platforms: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One. 

Try these too: Pokemon go, Golf clash, sociable soccer.

Hey! Even if you are not in a lockdown, these games are pretty exciting, and you should try them. If you are even a little intrigued by the ideas of video games, start with PUBG mobile or Minecraft now!

5 Benefits of playing video games

Do you play video games? You don’t! Well, you should! There are numerous benefits of playing games like PUBG or Fortnight or rust. Yes, addiction to video games has taken lives or made things hellish for a lot of people. However, that is true for all addictions. If you are addicted to drinking, that can also cost you your life.

Do not dismiss a game without trying. Thinking that it is for couch potatoes or is a waste of time is not great. If several people are trying to win the chicken dinner in PUBG, there has to be something incredible about it. People are not searching for PUBG hacks for fun. The game gives them hope & adventure, and that is why they want to win it badly.

Thus, if you haven’t played any games before, you should now. Here are a few benefits of the same.

It enhances manual dexterity

When you play video games with hand-controls, it improves your hand motions. Several therapists use video games for patience with strokes. It helps them regain control of their wrists & hands. Also, studies show that surgeons who play video games are faster with their procedures.

It can improve your social life

When you picture a gamer, what do you see? A teen who is shy and escapes into the world of PUBG or Rust? Or someone who is smart but distant and wants to take over the world? Well, that is BS! Movies and TV shows have created this scenario in our mind that nerds play video games. That is not true! Sure, some introverts love playing video games. It gives them a chance to interact with others without meeting them. However, most gamers are popular and have a better social life. Why? Because they collaborate with other gamers to win all the time. Thus, they are better at making relationships and even in their academics.

It can get you to be more physical

Video games are becoming more interactive nowadays. They have the skills to get the couch potatoes out of the chair and start moving, like Pokémon. With the use of VR technology, the games are becoming immersive. So, gamers have to move physically to win the game. So, it can be great for people who otherwise lead a sedentary lifestyle.

It can relieve stress

Stress is part of everyone’s life. When you play games on a computer, you immerse yourself in it. You meet other gamers in multiplayer games, and you interact with them. Thus, video games do improve mood and release stress in people. It, in turn, leads to better mental health for all.

It makes you resilient

If you are into a game, you will not give up until you win. Right? Thus, several educators think that video games are a great way to teach consistency to kids. It teaches you to keep trying till you reach your goal.

 

Playing video games stimulates your brain amongst other things. It is entertaining and you should go for it. However, do keep an eye on kids and teens so that they don’t get addicted to it and harm themselves.