The rise in video games cannot be understated. What was once a public novelty has now evolved into a quintessential part of most homes, with children and teenagers firmly accustomed to the idea of playing video games.  Unlike age ratings like for films and content, there is no official or recommended age for using games consoles

With online gaming becoming vastly popular, it’s never been more important for parents to decide if their child can safely use one.  This guide is here to explain why ensuring your child’s gaming system should always be secure, and why overlooking that aspect could present some serious concerns.

Gaming and Consoles are Mainstays of 2024

Recent surveys show that most children aged 7 to 18 (68%) own a games console, with a further 9% having access to one, which is quite telling of the situation many parents and educators find themselves in. At least 53% of US households report owning at least one gaming console, with 26% claiming a ‘next-generation’ model. Not only are video games and consoles firmly ingrained in how kids interact with each other and form social connections, but they also shape their experiences.

As our culture has grown increasingly digitally connected in recent years, it’s no surprise that video gaming consoles have become ‘must-haves’ for today’s youth. With many kids in elementary school playing video games semi-regularly, it’s become a solid necessity to not feel isolated from their peers.

Multiplayer capabilities and a host of new releases making the rounds each year also make consoles highly coveted. Not only that, but the advancements in tech also make gaming more enticing, with keen gamers seeking new consoles and exclusive games to immerse themselves in. Therefore, it’s fair to say that consoles and gaming are here to stay, so parents and caretakers must ensure safe usage, rather than restrict access.

Security Concerns of Video Gaming

Amid all the discourse surrounding video games and their influence on children’s behavior, it cannot be denied that they can, if moderated and monitored appropriately, can have educational and social benefits. However, one thing that remains constant is the level of risk that lies with such proficient online gaming. Consoles introduce risks, ranging from interconnectivity with strangers in online, often ‘lawless’ chatrooms and forums, to a plethora of other cyber security risks and privacy breaches.

Providers and network administrators have their part to play in ensuring the robustness of their infrastructure. They can use mechanisms like vulnerability patching and penetration testing for weaknesses, although each user has to exercise vigilance. Console developers, meanwhile, are often tasked with rigorously securing networks and infrastructure, yet bad actors can still slip through the cracks. Sony recently suffered a series of hacks and security breaches which compromised user data, thus emphasizing the need for bolstering defenses.

Risks and Threats Associated with Gaming Devices

Games consoles introduce a range of potential cyber risks which can be concerning for parents. These include but are not limited to the following:

Personal data collection – Like all internet-connected devices, consoles and games can collect and transmit large amounts of user data. From usernames and passwords to usage data and communications, this information needs safeguarding with precision to prevent it from being used fraudulently or maliciously.

Device takeovers – Unwarranted hacks can give attackers full control over the console and any other connected devices. Remote hackers can compromise a device and expose users to unauthorized or inappropriate content.

Account takeovers – Attackers with stolen login credentials can access user accounts, steal personal information, make fraudulent purchases with saved payment cards, exploit associated email accounts, and much more.

Communication platforms – Instant messaging, and voice chat features can expose vulnerable children to bullying and harassment. If not supervised, kids can become victims of exploitative cyberbullying and social engineering attacks.

Malware risks – Viruses, spyware, and other malware can ‘brick’ games and consoles or render them inaccessible. These can often materialize innocuously without arousing suspicion from users.

Network risks – Gaming on public Wi-Fi networks – or those with poor, weak network security – leaves consoles vulnerable to eavesdropping and MitM (man-in-the-middle) cyber attacks.

This year alone we have seen the aforementioned attacks on the PlayStation Network, as well as a large-scale data leak on the Xbox servers. As these are two of the industry’s most recognizable brands, it only proves that as consoles grow in popularity, they can become more appealing targets for cybercriminals. Therefore, personal safety and security is essential.

Securing Gaming Devices and Accounts

While there are undoubtedly risks when using gaming consoles, they are, fundamentally, no different than those that exist when using the Internet. This type of technology is increasingly available and beneficial, so the steps that parents can take to minimize threats bear many similarities to moderating children’s Internet usage and access.

As a baseline level, consider implementing these controls to keep your kids safer when using online game consoles.

Use Strong Passwords and MFA

Establishing strong, unique passwords – using undecipherable, random strings of letters, numbers, symbols and capitalizations – will make initial barriers harder to break. Avoid using birthdays, pet names, or other easy-to-guess information in passwords.

Keep this data safe and bolster it by allowing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to validate login attempts. It might seem overly protective, but this will prevent usernames and passwords from being compromised.

Limit Personal Info

When setting up accounts, make sure that only essential information is provided. Consider leaving phone numbers, locations, school names, and other identifiable information fields blank, and restricting the access that third-party applications have to this data. Consider also masking real names on user profiles to avoid being targeted or identified.

Monitor Friends and Chats

If your child interacts with friends online, there’s a good chance that, over time, they may encounter mutual friends and broaden their friendship circle online. However, listen carefully to what they say. Take a fervent interest in what they talk about and the interactions they mention in conversation.

If they seem ‘off’ or dissociate, it could indicate that they are interacting with someone anonymous who is worrying or stressing them. Cyberbullies and predators lurk in gaming comms channels, so pay close attention. If necessary, step in and enable parental controls and enhance privacy settings.

Patch Networks and Consoles

Ensure your home Wi-Fi uses modern WPA2 or WPA3 encryption protocols and a long, complicated pre-shared key (password). If relevant, consider installing a separate VPN to offer more robust, controlled connections.

Keep firmware updated on the console itself as well as routers and other network devices, applying all new security patches and revisions when prompted.

Disable remote administration capabilities and UPnP on routers, and, where possible, connect consoles to routers using ethernet cables. This stabilizes the connection between the console and the Internet.

Beware of Social Engineering

Kids may instinctively try to keep their gaming activities secret from parents, particularly if they find it to be an immersive escape from daily life. However, it’s important to bridge that gap where possible and educate them – not forcefully but, rather, openly – on attempts to manipulate them.

Teach them ways to identify attempts to steal login credentials or sensitive data, and emphasize that divulging this could pose a security risk. Phishing emails, notifications, and links can be dangerous, so they should take time to assess their legitimacy before clicking them.

It will help exponentially if your child feels comfortable maintaining autonomy when using their console but flagging up any suspicions to you with confidence, at which point you can intervene without reprimanding them.

While no gaming console security is foolproof, combining the security steps outlined above will significantly reduce the attack surface. Parents must manage and monitor console usage carefully but not to the point where it becomes disruptive or invasive to their child’s enjoyment. Stay alert for new threats and make cyber safety an ongoing conversation with your young gamer(s), as they should feel empowered to enjoy the gaming experience without becoming desensitized to it because of security concerns.

If your kids want to find their own solutions to any challenging parts of the games they are playing, you can support them to navigate the web safely by using Safe Search Kids. Using Safe Search Kids means that you don’t have to worry about your kids stumbling upon content that isn’t appropriate for them.

Welcoming a new life into the world is exciting, especially for expectant mothers. It’s a period filled with anticipation, joy, and, of course, a bit of anxiety. During this time, celebrating a mum-to-be with thoughtful gifts can add a sparkle to her journey.

But here’s the thing – these gifts don’t have to break the bank. In this guide, we’ll explore some heartfelt yet affordable gift ideas, perfect for showing love and support without stretching your wallet.

Why Affordable Gifts Matter for Mum-to-Be

In an age where the cost of living and raising a child is ever-increasing, being budget-conscious is more critical than ever. But let’s not confuse affordable with less meaningful. The value of a gift lies in its thoughtfulness, not its price tag. Cheap presents can be practical and emotionally gratifying, offering a way to show care without financial strain. Considering the expenses awaiting new parents, a budget-friendly gift can be a considerate choice.

The Joy of Gifting: What Expectant Moms Appreciate

What do expectant moms cherish the most? It’s the thought and love put into a gift. These soon-to-be mothers are embarking on one of life’s most beautiful journeys, and a gift that acknowledges their emotional and physical needs during this time can be significant. Whether it offers relaxation, celebrates the upcoming arrival, or makes their day-to-day a bit easier, the sentiment behind the gift truly counts. So, when considering gifts for mum to be, remember that love and care matter most.

Thoughtful and Affordable Gifts for Mum-to-Be

Personalised Gifts

1. Personalised Baby Name Keychain: More than just a keychain, it’s a daily reminder of the new life about to be welcomed. This charming gift can accompany her everywhere as a token of the joyous future.

2. Customised Photo Frame: Ideal for those first sonogram images or newborn pictures, this frame becomes a cherished family heirloom, capturing a moment in time that’s forever precious.

3. Handmade Greeting Card: Crafted with care, a handmade card can express sentiments that store-bought ones cannot. It’s a unique way to convey your excitement and best wishes for her journey into motherhood.

Self-Care and Relaxation

4. Scented Candles: These candles don’t just light up a room; they offer a serene ambience, perfect for moments of reflection and calm amid a busy prenatal period.

5. Herbal Tea Assortment: Carefully selected for safety and comfort during pregnancy, these teas provide a comforting and warm ritual that can soothe both body and mind.

6. DIY Bath Salts Kit: A DIY kit isn’t just a gift; it’s an experience. Mixing her bath salts adds a personal touch to her relaxation routine, making it all the more special.

Practical Baby Essentials

7. Baby Bibs: These aren’t just practical; they come in various fun designs and colours, adding a bit of joy to everyday baby care.

8. Baby Socks: Keeping those tiny toes warm is crucial, and with an array of cute patterns, they’re a delightful addition to any baby’s wardrobe.

9. Baby Washcloths: Gentle on the baby’s skin and indispensable during bath time, these washcloths are a must-have for any new parent, blending functionality with comfort.

Books for Parenting and Pregnancy

10. Pregnancy Journal: This journal offers a space to document thoughts, feelings, and experiences, creating a priceless memoir of her pregnancy journey.
    

11. Parenting Advice Book: Packed with practical advice, these books are a great resource, offering reassurance and guidance through the early stages of parenthood.
    

12. Children’s Bedtime Storybook: It’s more than just a book; it’s the beginning of many nights of bedtime stories, fostering a love for reading and bonding time between parent and child.

Homemade Treats

13. Hand-baked Cookies or Muffins: These treats, made from the heart, are a sweet gesture of care and provide a comforting, home-cooked taste that’s hard to beat.
    

14. Fruit Basket: A basket of fresh, hand-picked fruits looks beautiful and offers a healthy snack full of vitamins and nutrients.
    

15. Homemade Pregnancy-safe Face Mask: Using natural ingredients, this face mask is a thoughtful way to encourage her to take some time for herself, ensuring it’s safe and soothing for her skin during pregnancy.

Finding Budget-Friendly Mum-to-Be Gifts

There are several places where you can find unique gifts for new parents.  Online marketplaces often offer personalised items at low cost. Local thrift stores or second-hand shops are treasure troves for unique finds. And remember community groups and online forums, where you can often find gently used items perfect for gifting.

For crafty people, DIY and crafting stores are your go-to materials to make your gifts. Or consider surprising the mom-to-be with a thoughtful piece of jewelry, such as unique necklaces for sale, from Pura Vida Bracelets’ collection, adding a touch of charm to her journey into motherhood.

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Affordable Gift

When choosing an affordable gift for a mom-to-be, consider her style, needs, and allergies to make it meaningful and suitable. Please pay attention to skincare or edible items to ensure her comfort.

Your relationship with the expectant mother matters. For close bonds, go for customised or sentimental gifts; opt for universally appealing and practical items for more formal relationships. Balancing these factors enhances the gift’s value.

Creative Presentation Ideas

The presentation of your gift can elevate its perceived value and show the care you’ve put into it:

• DIY Gift Wrapping: Personalise your gift with handmade wrapping paper or decorate a plain gift box with drawings, stickers, or ribbons. This adds a unique touch and shows the extra effort you’ve put into the gift.

• Gift Baskets: Assemble a themed gift basket with small items. For instance, a self-care basket with herbal teas, scented candles, and a homemade face mask can be charming and helpful.

• Handwritten Note: Including a handwritten note with your gift adds a deeply personal touch. It’s a chance to express your excitement and well-wishes for her journey into motherhood, making the gift even more memorable.

You’re All Set!

Celebrating a mum-to-be with thoughtful, affordable gifts is a beautiful way to share the joy and anticipation of the new arrival. Each gift idea we’ve explored offers a blend of practicality, sentiment, and care, proving that it’s not about how much you spend but the thoughtfulness you put into the gift.

Now, it’s your turn to spread the joy. Take these ideas, find the perfect gift that resonates with the expectant mother in your life, and tell her how much she appreciates it. Whether it’s a handmade card, a personalised keepsake, or a soothing self-care item, your gift will surely bring a smile and warmth to her heart.

Remember, the best gifts come from the heart, not the wallet. So make a mum-to-be’s day special, and enjoy the happiness of giving.

Sleep is essential for a child’s proper growth and development. Rest plays a role in their physical and mental well-being, so adequate sleeping patterns are necessary to keep them healthy. However, many kids don’t get quality sleep because they stay up late at night online, from watching videos to scrolling social feeds.

As a parent, finding the right balance between screen time and quality sleep for your child can be challenging. Here are some actionable tips you can use to help your child practice healthy sleeping and screen time habits.

Limit the Use of Gadgets Before Bedtime

Gadgets play a significant role in a kid’s daily routine. While screens can be useful educational and entertainment tools, kids often stay up too late to play games, watch movies and talk to their friends.

The blue light from electronics with screens is a double-edged sword — it is beneficial during daylight hours because it helps boost productivity and mood. However, it can be disruptive at night. It may affect the circadian rhythm or the internal clock timing biological processes. This can also delay the release of melatonin, a hormone that induces tiredness and helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, which makes it harder for your child to go to sleep.

To decrease your child’s screen exposure, establish a no-gadget transition period at least an hour before bedtime. Put their phones away in another room to discourage your kids from checking them at night. Remember to turn off their notifications so that noise won’t distract anyone from their sleep.

If your child must use an electronic device to complete homework in the evening, ensure they use the “night mode” feature to block the blue light.

In addition to improving sleep, reducing gadget use is essential for physical and mental wellness. With electronic devices becoming an integral part of people’s lives, it could be challenging to set boundaries. Here are some recommended screen time limits for children:

• Under 2 years old: Zero screen time, except for video calling with relatives and friends.
• 2-5 years old: Less than an hour daily with co-viewing guidance.
• 5-17 years old: No more than two hours daily, except for schoolwork.

Encourage an Active Lifestyle

One way to discourage a bad habit is to replace it with a healthy one. Participating in a sport can be a good way to divert your child’s attention, as well as make them feel more tired at night. Physical activities impact sleep in many beneficial ways:

• Falling asleep quickly: Exercising can make kids tired in a healthy way, prompting a quicker transition to sleep.
• Longer sleep: Extended sleep hours make your child feel energized and more productive for the day.
• Quality sleep: Engaging in physical activity helps improve sleep quality. Try encouraging your child to exercise or play sports for two hours daily so they can enjoy quality rest every night.

While any physical activity will be beneficial, studies have shown that swimming is one exercise that helps improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. Not only will swimming tire them out, but they’ll quickly realize that staying up too late will impact their energy levels for swim practice.

Allow Screen Time After Fulfilling Responsibilities

Moderated gadget use can bring positive benefits. It can help them relax while gaming, learn from watching or reading educational videos and strengthen friendships via chats and video calls.

As a parent, you want your child to finish their responsibilities before facing the screen. Treat screen time as a privilege — ask them to clean their room, finish homework and wash the dishes before playing video games.

Another reason some kids stay up late online is that they crave attention that may be lacking from their parents and siblings. Perhaps your bubbly 10-year-old suddenly became uncommunicative because you’ve been working overtime, making you miss family dinners.

Usually, children don’t blatantly ask for attention. If possible, bond with your child before bedtime — ask about the favorite part of their day, school activities and what they are most excited about tomorrow. Simple daily check-ins like this can limit screen time and boost your relationship.

Be a Good Role Model

The digital world can be distracting, with people spending 5-6 hours on their phones daily. Take time to reflect on your phone habits and think about how many times you open your phone in an hour. Do you watch videos while having lunch? Do you often work in front of your computer every weekend? If you spend a lot of time in front of the screen, your child might notice.

Be mindful of your screen time and avoid using electronic devices during family time to help children learn to value moments with you.

Strike a Healthy Balance Between Screen Time and Sleep

Managing screen time for your child can be a game-changer for their sleep routine and overall health. With these tips, you can set the stage for some boundaries, physical activities, and quality time, leaving enough room for responsible gadget use.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.

As a parent, it’s natural to want to protect your family from experiencing a devastating fire incident. One way you can achieve this is by incorporating fire safety into your daily routine and educating your children on how to prevent and respond to this disaster.

Respect for fire is key to helping the prevention of fires, as well as surviving it. In this guide, we’ll discuss the steps you can take to make your home secure and how to teach your kids about common household hazards.

The Importance of Teaching Fire Safety to Children

Each year, more than 26% of fires are reported in homes across the United States. Children are naturally curious, which can lead them to explore their surroundings, including fire hazards. While you may not always be able to control every factor that could cause an accident in your home, you can educate your children on how to prevent and respond to these disasters.

Teaching your kids about fire safety can help them develop life-long skills they can carry into adulthood. Not only will they know how to react in the event of a fire, but they’ll also understand how to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Preparing Your Family for Home Fire Prevention

Fire safety education is a multi-faceted approach that involves prevention, escape planning, and recovery. Here are the key steps to prepare your family:

• Preventing home fires: Start by explaining to your kids the common causes, such as unattended stoves, faulty electrical appliances, and flammable materials. Encourage them to be vigilant, like turning off appliances when not in use or before leaving the house.

• Escape plans: It’s also crucial to have a well-thought-out escape plan in case of an emergency. Make sure your children understand how to exit the house immediately and know where the designated meeting point is. Be sure to practice fire drills to reinforce this knowledge regularly.

• Recovery after a fire: In the unfortunate event of a catastrophe, teach your kids how to react. You can do this by stressing the importance of calling 911 immediately and how to provide their location accurately.

Keeping your family secure is a continuous process, and fireproofing education must be an ongoing conversation.

Common Places Where Fires Occur

Fires can erupt unexpectedly in various parts of a home, posing a significant threat to your family’s well-being. Understanding the most common places where these incidents occur is essential. Here’s a closer look at these potential hazardous zones:

Kitchen

The kitchen is often considered the heart of a home, but it’s also the leading location for home fires. Unattended stoves, overheated appliances, and cooking oils can lead to kitchen flames. So, teach your family about kitchen safety, emphasizing the importance of staying attentive while cooking and keeping flammable objects away from all contributing to electrical bursts. Be sure to adequately supervise your kids while cooking.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are filled with potential fire hazards, including electrical devices, heaters, and overloaded extension cords. This is why there must be safety practices in the bedrooms, such as not leaving devices plugged in overnight and using space heaters responsibly.

Living Room

The living room is another area where flames can start due to electrical appliances and heating sources. Teach your children the importance of proper usage and maintenance of items like space heaters, televisions, and gaming consoles.

Garages

Garages pose unique fire risks because they often store flammable materials, such as gasoline, propane, paints, and chemicals. These substances can ignite and cause a rapid and dangerous blaze. To keep your garage secure:

• Ensure that flammable materials are stored in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources. You should also lock these substances out of reach of children.

• Your family should also understand the proper handling of tools and equipment. Improper use of power tools or careless disposal of cigarettes can also spark a fire in the garage.

By being aware of these common fire-prone areas, you can take proactive steps to reduce the risk and keep your family secure. Understanding the unique challenges of your home safety measures can go a long way in stopping fires in these spaces.

Fire Prevention Tips for Children

Sharing fire prevention with children should be informative, but it doesn’t need to be tedious. Here are some ways to share fire hazard tips:

• Explain the different types of burns and their severity. Explain how to cool them with cold water and when it’s essential to seek medical help for more severe burns.

• Introduce your kids to smart technology that can enhance fireproofing, such as smoke detectors and outlets that allow the user to control the device remotely and can even alert you of any dangers when you’re not home.

• Use the stop-drop-and-roll technique to show your family how to act if their clothes catch on fire. Have them practice it until they can do so without hesitation.

• Make learning enjoyable by incorporating games and quizzes. This interactive approach can help your kids retain the information and apply it when needed.

Although fire safety can be a serious topic, it’s essential to make it engaging for children. This will help them understand and remember the information better, making it more likely for them to apply it in real-life situations.

About the Author
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in education, mental health, family lifestyle and online safety. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. You can follow her on Twitter.