CHANDIGARH: Keep impacts of online gaming among the students, the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, has prepared one-page advisory for the parents and teachers. The copy of advisory was also issued to the respective heads of directorate, organizations and institutions including school heads and requested it circulate widely to take necessary action to overcome online gaming downsides. Dr Joseph Emmanuel, Director (Aademics, New Delhi has issued the advisory.
The advisory has a long list of ‘Don’ts Do’ for Children's Safe Online Gaming. It advises do not allow in-game purchases without parental consent and discouraged in app purchases, OTP based payment methods may be adopted as per RBl's guidelines Avod credt/debit cards registration on apps for subscriptions Place an upper limit on expenditure per transaction
Do not let children buy directly from the laptop or mobile they use for gaming Advise chldren not to download software and games from unknown websites. Tell them to be beware of clicking links, images and pop-ups in the websites as they may contain a Virus and harm the computer, and may contain age-inappropriate content. AdvIse them not to give personal information over the Internet while downloading games They should never share pers AOVISe them not to communicate with strangers, including adults, through web cam, private messaging or online chat, as it increases the risk of contact from online abusers, or bullying from other players. nal information with people in games and on gaming profile Advise them against engaging in game for long hours without taking a break considering health aspects and addiction.
Notify if a stranger tries to starta conversation about something inappropriate or requests personal information. Check the age rating of any games your child is playing In case of a bullying. Help your child understand that some features in online games are used to encourage more play and spending. Talk to them about gambling, what it is and its consequences both online and in the physical world. Always ensure that your child accesses internet from a computer placed in the family space Keep your eyes open for unusual secretive behaviour, mostly related to their online activity A sudden increase in the time they spend online, especially social media They seem to change screens on their device when approached They become withdrawn or angry, after using the internet or sending text messages Their device suddenly has many new phone num and email contacts Install internet gateway at horne which has features like monitoring, logging and controling the types of content that the children can access Teachers need to keep an eye
The advisory necessiated because of new era of technology, online gaming is very popular with children because of the challenges it brings to the players which excite them and making them play more which can lead to addiction. Online games can almost be found anywhere on any gaming platforms such as PC’s, consoles, and mobile devices. Online gaming can be accessed with the use of phone or a tablet which is a common factor in online game addiction because children can easily play games anywhere anytime affecting their time for their school and social life.
It is also stated that furthermore, the closure of schools due to pandemic has increased use of mobile and internet by children. However, online gaming has many downsides. Playing online games leads to a serious gaming addiction which has been considered as a gaming disorder. The game is designed in a way that each level is more complicated and complex than the previous one. This causes a player to push themselves to the limit in order to progress in the game. Therefore, playing online games with no restriction and self-limits leads many players to become addicted and are eventually diagnosed with gaming disorder. The gaming companies also emotionally compel the child to buy more levels and almost force in-app purchases.