Play Safe Online games Tips for Child.

* You Must Know the risks of online gaming = Kids might download the bad with the good. When kids download games from less-than-reputable sites or through links in email, instant, or text messages, they might also be getting offensive content, spam, or malicious software. Some free games may require an extensive profile, and then the game owners could illegally rent or sell the child’s data. Kids might bump into bullies. Some gamers play simply to harass and taunt other players using bad language, cheating, or attacking them inappropriately. Bad people might befriend kids. Some adults may try to earn the trust of gamers by pretending to be kids, sharing tips on how to win, or giving gifts like points. They may be trying to run a scam or angling for a phone call or an in-person meeting.

* Explore online games = Play with your kids or sit with them while they playing the game. You will have fun and learn about their gaming, too. Check the ratings of the games your kids want to play. In the U.S. and Canada, most games sold at retail stores are described and rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Use these ratings as you discuss the most appropriate games with your child or teen. Stick to well-known games or those from reputable sites. If you use well-known gaming sites like MSN Games, Xbox LIVE, or Yahoo! Games, you reduce the risk of downloading viruses or being scammed.

* Review the game’s terms before the playing game = Find out how the game service monitors players and responds to abuse. Xbox LIVE, for example, helps gamers protect their identities and report objectionable content and behavior. Read the site’s privacy policy to learn how it will use and protect kids’ information. No privacy policy? Play elsewhere. Agree on rules of play. Work together to create family gaming guidelines that fit each child's age and maturity. For ideas, see Microsoft’s sample agreement, the PACT (PDF download).

* Teach kids rules for safer gaming = Keep your personal information a secret. Advise kids never to share personal information about themselves or their family with other players—their real name, email or home address, age, gender, pictures, and the like.

* Protect game accounts with strong passwords = Strong passwords are at least eight characters and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Learn how to create them.

Cheaters and hackers most often gain access because they were given a password, so teach kids never to share passwords with anyone. Make up a safe gamer name. Help children choose screen names and gamer tags that do not reveal anything personal, are not suggestive, and do not make kids easy to locate.