What do I need to know about online gaming?
Wow - big question! There's loads we could talk about on this topic but we'll try to keep it short.
Usernames and Passwords
For lots of online games and apps, you get to choose a username and password for your account. You can find out more about setting strong passwords here. - link to choosing and using passwords.
Spending money
Did you know that games and apps may charge you real money? Even after you've got the game, you may be asked to pay for additional items and upgrades. Look out for these words and signs which might show you're about to make a payment:
Buy now, In app purchases, $, In game purchases
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It can be confusing if games also have their own version of money (like gems or coins) which you can earn as you play and use to get upgrades. The most important thing to remember is:
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If you're ever unsure about whether you're spending real money or not, speak to an adult first.
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For some people who play games a lot, spending money can be part of the experience but there's a few things to think about:
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Do you have to pay to play? On most games the paid for items and upgrades are completely optional. That means you can play the game without spending any money at all!
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How much do you really want to pay? Some upgrades are small and don't cost a lot, but some options are much more expensive.
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Is it worth it? Think: if you play a game for a few months, then something new or better comes out, what will you have to show for the money you've spent?
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Whose money are you spending? Have you checked with them first? If it's your parents or somebody else's bank account details you're using, then it's not your money to spend and it's really important to check first!
Other players
Did you know that games and apps may charge you real money? Even after you've got the game, you may be asked to pay for additional items and upgrades. Look out for these words and signs which might show you're about to make a payment:
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I can't stop thinking about it
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I have to play it every day
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I think I'm addicted to it
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Sometimes I even dream about it
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It's really a big part of my life
But are you really addicted to your favorite game?
Probably not! The word ‘addicted' makes it sound like you have no control. But remember that there's always something you can do if a game is on your mind a lot.
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Talk to someone. It's not unusual to feel like this and talking to someone will make you feel better. They might be able to give you some helpful tips too!
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Take regular breaks. This will give your brain a break from the game and give you an opportunity to think about or do something different!
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Find a healthy balance. Try and find some other things you enjoy - maybe an offline activity like a sport and use this to balance out the time you spend playing games.
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Remember - games have been designed to be fun and exciting and to keep us coming back for more. But you and your family are in charge of how often and when you play.
Age ratings
Did you know that games and apps are often rated by age? This means that you need to make sure you're old enough to buy or play them. Age rating information is shown on the back of the game case if you buy it in a shop and should be visible somewhere on the screen if you're downloading it. It's important to remember that games are given ratings for a reason - they might be scary, violent or show other content which is only appropriate for grown-ups. Sometimes young people want to play a game even though they're too young, especially if other people they know are playing it too. Check out our top tips below, if you're in this situation:
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Ask a parent or whoever looks after you for permission first.
We all know grown-ups don't always know everything about the latest games, so it might be worth saying something like: “I want to play this game but it's got a high age rating. Can you help me decide if it's safe?”
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Remember that just because your friends are playing it, doesn't mean you have to.
Everybody is different and just because your friends are playing it, doesn't make it the right choice for you too. We can all have different reactions to different things - there could still be things that might upset or scare you, so it's okay to decide not to play.
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Know who to go to for support.
Even if you've decided as a family that you're allowed to play the game, there's still a chance you might see or hear something which is upsetting. Make sure you have someone who you can go to for support - an adult at home or at school can give you advice and help you feel better.