Online Gaming 12 Things You Need To Know

Online Gaming 12 Things You Need To Know — page 1 — You have just entered Containment Corner in chapter 13 of the online game Skylanders Trap Team Skylands most-wanted villains have escaped from Cloudcracker Prison Your character is a Tech Trap Master Together with the other Skylanders you must trap the villains The Mabu has given you a villain quest for Wolfgang an undead monster You easily capture Wolfgang and continue the quest When a game requires an Internet connection it is an online game Online games are played on computers and game consoles They are even played on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets WHAT IS ONLINE GAMING Skylanders Trap Team toys interact with the online game 1 4

Online Gaming 12 Things You Need To Know — page 2 — Gamers play some online games as single players Or they can play multiplayer games with friends Millions of players from all over the world can play in a single game at the same time This makes online games appealing to many players Many gamers enjoy playing offline video games Online gaming however is much more popular Computers and consoles are used most for online gaming But mobile gaming is rising in popularity 2 Average number of gamers per US household in 2014 An online game is played over a computer network You can play with people all over the world in multiplayer online games Gaming on mobile phones and tablets is rising in popularity You can play online games alone or with a friend 5

Online Gaming 12 Things You Need To Know — page 3 — Have an adult help you set up your gaming accounts Before you start online gaming it’s good to know how to keep yourself safe while you play First make sure your computer console or mobile device is protected Install protection such as anti-virus and anti-spyware software Computer viruses harm your device Some allow other people to see your personal information Ask a trusted adult to help you protect your device Most online games require you to create an account Manage your gaming account with safety in mind Choose a username that does not give away your identity Never use your actual name as your username Instead use a name inspired by something you like such as Bookworm100 or SoccerStar1 Keeping your real name private helps protect your identity online and in real life Then make a strong password for your account Strong passwords are at least eight characters long A character is a number uppercase or lowercase letter or symbol Use a combination of characters in your password Do not write your password down Create something that only you and a parent can remember HOW DO I STAY SAFE WHILE GAMING 2 6

Online Gaming 12 Things You Need To Know — page 4 — Many accounts give you the chance to include an image Instead of a photo of yourself use an avatar An avatar lets you create your own virtual self Just like your username your avatar can be inspired by something you like to do It is important to think about safety when you are playing online Many games allow you to interact with other players Some games allow players to chat by text or by voice Only use voice chat if the game allows you to disguise your voice If your game does not have that function use chat instead If someone sends you a link for a free download do not open it It could contain a virus or spyware Avoid using a webcam when playing an online game Keeping your real-life identity private helps you stay safe Never meet an online stranger in person If another gamer asks to meet tell a trusted adult right away An adult can usually tell if a situation is safe or not If another player makes you feel uncomfortable speak up An adult will know what to do 6 Months that should pass before you change your password Make sure your computer console or mobile device has a firewall and anti-virus and anti-spyware protection before playing online games Never use your actual name as your username If a game does not let you disguise your voice do not use voice chat online Your avatar represents you in an online game 7

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