Level UP

  Just like there is a risk of bad things happening when playing physical sports inperson, there is a risk when playing video games online. Online anonymity can embolden players of all ages to act in ways they wouldn’t in real life. Whether we ask for it or not, other players can exhibit harmful or malicious behavior. Things like bullying, harassment, and suspicious activities are real and are not to be ignored. This might frighten you. And for good reason. We don’t want bad things to happen to our players. But yet, we love our kids and want them to do the things they enjoy. But what should we do? Report it. Reporting ensures that people are held accountable for their actions, reminding them that their behavior has consequences. This accountability encourages better conduct. Blocking and reporting also ensures that all players don’t have to endure this type of behavior, reducing the stress or anxiety caused by toxicity, creating a safer online environment for everyone. By reporting...

  Access denied.  This is one of the most frustrating things to read when you are just trying to log into your account. Maybe you forgot your password or maybe you misspelled your email address too many times, but no matter what, you’re shut out. And you don’t like it. But when the scammer who is trying to get into your account reads that same message, you like it. You like that your accounts are safe and so does your player. They want to always know that their in-game items, XP, and currency are intact. Cybersecurity is crucial for ensuring your player can enjoy their gaming experience without fear of being targeted by cybercriminals or falling victim to scams. It allows them to really focus on the game itself, rather than worrying about potential threats. We all know that it’s easier to remember one password and use it everywhere. But, that’s like Tesla making one fob that allows entry into every vehicle it produces. Yes, even the Cybertruck. That’s just absurd. (The idea, n...

T he online world, while offering many positive experiences, also harbors individuals with harmful intentions, carrying risks. While your player may be online to have fun, and enjoy playing games, not everyone they interact with online has good intentions. Whether this is new to you or a helpful reminder, the reality is that the online world can be a dangerous place for players of all ages. Things such as phishing scams, online predators, cyberbullying, and the spread of harmful content can do far more damage than ruining their gaming experience. You want and need for your player to be safe. They need to protect their personal safety. And that starts by safeguarding their personal information. One thing you can do is help your player understand how important it is to not share their real name, address, school details, sports schedule, social activity calendar, and other personal information with strangers and people you or they don’t know. Encourage your player to be super discerning a...