Online games: fun and three kinds of risk
Online games can be fun. Some build thinking, planning and teamwork. Some bring friends together. But like many good things, they have risks. We can sort the risks in three groups. Physical risks: playing for too long can lead to tired eyes, a sore back, less exercise and less sleep. Psychological risks: a player may feel lonely or worried, may be bullied, may feel anger, or may have trouble with family and friends. Security risks: sharing personal details, meeting people who want to hurt you, hackers and viruses. These words are not meant to frighten you. A risk is something that can happen, not something that will happen. If something goes wrong, you are not in trouble. Tell a trusted adult. If you do not play online games, think of a board game: it, too, is fun, and needs rules about time and kindness.
| Physical | Psychological | Security |
|---|---|---|
| tired eyes, a sore back, less exercise, less sleep | feeling lonely or worried, being bullied, anger, trouble with family and friends | sharing personal details, bullies, hackers, viruses |
Risk sorting. Cut six small cards and write on each: (1) sore back; (2) feeling left out; (3) sharing your full name with a stranger; (4) a virus in a game file; (5) not sleeping enough; (6) an angry message. Put each card in the right column: physical, psychological or security. Check your answers with a partner. (Some can go in two columns: explain why.)