As a technology coach, I often receive questions from parents about their children's use of popular video games and social media applications. These technologies offer benefits such as enhancing cognitive skills and promoting socialization, but they also present potential risks to children's online safety. This blog post will provide a basic introduction to some of the most popular video games and social media applications that students use. In addition, there are links to the Common Sense Media (a leading internet child safety organization) webpages that provide details about age recommendations, privacy settings, overall safety, parental controls and more.
What is Minecraft?
Minecraft is a popular sandbox-adventure video game for children. In a sandbox game, players are given a creative landscape with no fixed goals and endless possibilities. This encourages creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. As children build and explore worlds of imaginative block structures, they are introduced to concepts such as geometry, geology, and engineering.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-minecraft
Roblox is an online gaming platform. It allows users to play games created by other users, as well as create and share their own games. Upon signing up, players have access to an infinite number of games to play and can chat with other users, all for free. The platform offers a diverse selection of creative and enjoyable challenges in various categories, ranging from murder mysteries to sports and fighting games. With a constantly evolving supply of games. Roblox provides a dynamic and engaging experience for players looking for new and exciting adventures.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-roblox
Fortnite is an immensely popular video game with a free-to-play multiplayer offshoot called Battle Royale. Children who mention they are playing Fortnite are likely referring to this. Combining elements of sandbox building games with action-packed gameplay, Battle Royale offers players the choice of two modes: a solo mode called Save the World, and the multiplayer mode called Battle Royale.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-fortnite
Instagram is a free and widely-used social media app that allows users to share photos and videos, follow their favorite accounts and friends, and send direct messages. Although it is owned by Meta, the same company that owns Facebook and WhatsApp, its visual format is designed to be more appealing to teens. With its emphasis on visual content, Instagram has become a go-to platform for sharing photos and videos, and has become an integral part of the social media landscape for millions of users worldwide.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-instagram
TikTok is a popular social network that is primarily used for sharing user-generated videos. The platform allows users to create and upload their own videos, which can be shared and interacted with by other users. The content on TikTok covers a wide range of topics, songs, and styles, and can be easily discovered through the use of hashtags. These hashtags often correspond to challenges, memes, or current events, such as the widely used hashtag #pandemiclife. TikTok has quickly become a favorite app among students.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-tiktok
Discord is a free mobile and PC app that allows users to communicate in real-time through text, voice, or video chat. Combining the internet-calling features of Skype with the discussion boards found on Reddit, the app has evolved beyond its gaming roots to become a popular social networking platform. Users with non-gaming interests, such as those interested in anime, TV series, music, and more, are also active on the app.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/parents-ultimate-guide-to-discord
In conclusion, social media and video games can offer many benefits for children and teenagers. However, it's important for parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with these platforms, such as cyberbullying, online predators, and exposure to inappropriate content. By setting clear rules and boundaries, monitoring their children's online activity, and engaging in open and honest communication, parents can help ensure their children's safety and wellbeing in the digital age. Please use the links provided in this article to access further information and resources on how to promote safe and responsible technology use in their families. By taking a proactive and informed approach, parents can help their children reap the benefits of social media and video games while staying safe and protected online.
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