Parental guidance: “Consoles can go online, mom.”

Alright guys, it’s responsible-gaming-time again. An article in the Union Tribune talks to web-savvy parents about something we currently take for granted: the fact that we can get onto the internet with our consoles.

While that statement isn’t entirely accurate in its assessment, since you can interact with other players on just about any console out there to varying degrees, the article mentions that parents don’t seem to know what you can do that with a handheld. Some of them may easily just buy a PSP or a 360 blindly, without knowing what they’re getting into. To that end, the article also talks about groups who are trying to spread the word of the potential consequences of not knowing.

The repercussions of purchases that aren’t planned out pose another important point for parents everywhere, and once again, the fear of younger gamers giving out important personal information to strangers (and worse) is brought up. Most people don’t really happen to care about this sort of issue, but it’s this sort of attitude, along with the type of personality that assumes an online connection gives you total freedom, which more often than not leads to problems.

Like it or not, if you want to keep the heat off the gaming lifestyle, whether it be from Jack Thompson or from other interest groups, we’re also going to have to play a part, either as the informed older brother who watches over his siblings or the powergamer who fights honorably and without a penchant for trashtalking. In any case, you may want to read the source provided below, and see how the information prompts you to act.

Alright guys, it’s responsible-gaming-time again. An article in the Union Tribune talks to web-savvy parents about something we currently take for granted: the fact that we can get onto the internet with our consoles.

While that statement isn’t entirely accurate in its assessment, since you can interact with other players on just about any console out there to varying degrees, the article mentions that parents don’t seem to know what you can do that with a handheld. Some of them may easily just buy a PSP or a 360 blindly, without knowing what they’re getting into. To that end, the article also talks about groups who are trying to spread the word of the potential consequences of not knowing.

The repercussions of purchases that aren’t planned out pose another important point for parents everywhere, and once again, the fear of younger gamers giving out important personal information to strangers (and worse) is brought up. Most people don’t really happen to care about this sort of issue, but it’s this sort of attitude, along with the type of personality that assumes an online connection gives you total freedom, which more often than not leads to problems.

Like it or not, if you want to keep the heat off the gaming lifestyle, whether it be from Jack Thompson or from other interest groups, we’re also going to have to play a part, either as the informed older brother who watches over his siblings or the powergamer who fights honorably and without a penchant for trashtalking. In any case, you may want to read the source provided below, and see how the information prompts you to act.