Safely Gaming Online
Before you dive into the world of online gaming, consider these basic
safety issues:➟ Make sure you’re using a reputable site or software.
MSN Games, for example, allows you to choose free
online games, for-pay online games, downloadable
games, and games you play within MSN Messenger.➟ If you want to interact with other players, but don’t
personally know them, set up a safe profile with
nicknames, usernames, and gamer tags that don’t
identify you. Consider what information about your-
self you want to share — including name, photos,
location, e-mail address, and so on.➟ Understand the game’s rating.(If it doesn’t show
one, it’s probably for general audiences.) The
Entertainment Software Rating Board provides ratings
for downloadable and purchased games. Take a look
at Figure 10-3to see the rating icons used by ESRB.
The ratings help parents (and grandparents) supervise
kids’ online gaming; but they are equally useful in
helping you identify games you find appropriate for
your own use. Other countries have their own version
of ESRB ratings. (For more information on ESRB’s sys-
tem, go to http://www.esrb.org.)➟ Review the site’s Terms and Conditions to under-
stand what types of behavior it allows.This docu-
ment should also state the site’s policies and practices
for monitoring behavior and responding to abuse.
(See Figure 10-4for an example of a typical Terms
and Conditions statement for a gaming site.)➟ Be alert to inappropriate comments or suggestions
on chats and messages you receive.Let the game site
know if anything makes you uncomfortable, includ-
ing requests for your real name or location.
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Part II: Using the Internet While Dodging the Risk