Fostering a positive online gaming culture for kids

Ron Kerbs, Founder and CEO of Kidas, delves into online gaming and safety for children. The world of online gaming can be a double-edged sword for kids. While it offers opportunities for teamwork, strategy, and even creativity, it can also expose them to negativity, unhealthy habits, and potential dangers. Today, Ron discusses how to foster a positive online gaming culture for kids.
About the speaker

Ron Kerbs

Kidas

- Kidas

Ron Kerbs is Founder and CEO at Kidas

Show Notes

  • 01:30
    Fostering sportsmanship and positive behaviors in online gaming
    Parents can lead by example by setting a good example with screen time and talking to their children about the benefits of healthy habits and vitamin D. This empowers kids to set their own boundaries and make responsible choices regarding gaming and physical well-being.
  • 03:01
    Addressing negative behavior in gaming
    Rather than just jumping to conclusions, parents should aim to understand the situation and context of their child's behavior. Having conversations and enabling children to reflect on their behaviors creates a lasting positive impact, versus resorting to immediate restrictions.
  • 05:08
    Kidas and protecting children in online gaming environments
    Kidas' ProtectMe software monitors voice and text chat in over 400 games, identifying threats like bullying and online predators. It understands the game context to differentiate between threats and normal gameplay, providing alerts to parents as needed.
  • 06:11
    Resources for parental monitoring and protection in online gaming
    Kidas provides alerts to parents via text or emails about dangerous encounters such as talking with online predators and sharing financial information. The platform delivers weekly reports, expert recommendations, and guides for addressing dangerous situations effectively.
  • 08:41
    Having open conversations about gaming with children
    Parents use Kidas due to concerns about their children's gaming habits, such as excessive screen time. Before installation, parents should have conversations with children about their gaming experiences, show interest, and research to better understand their child's perspective.
  • 11:33
    Conflict resolution tips for parents in gaming
    Kidas platform offers conversation starters and step-by-step processes to help parents navigate conflicts that arise in gaming. Recommendations are tailored and adapted based on the child's age, frequency of incidents, and the specific situation.
  • 13:53
    Limiting gameplay for children
    Rather than imposing limitations on gameplay, open communication about the impact of gaming empowers children to manage their playtime responsibly. This enables children to impose their own limits, developing responsible gaming and time management habits.
  • 17:23
    User generated content and opportunities in gaming
    The rise of UGC and platforms like Roblox allow kids to create, potentially monetize, and market their own games. These platforms foster a sense of belonging, pride, and entrepreneurial, and business development skills that are transferable later in life.

Quotes

  • "Parents that restrict their kids gaming because they came across a dangerous situation are usually not successful in the long run. Its about having conversations with your kid and explaining, not judging." - Ron Kerbs

  • "Kids need to develop the discipline themselves on how to limit their gaming time. It isnt negative as long as they know exactly what they're doing, and they understand the consequences of their actions." - Ron Kerbs

  • "When kids create games and have to market them, get the right people to play their game and promote, it teaches them about generating revenue and starting a business, very transferable skills that they can use later on." - Ron Kerbs

  • "Conversations about gaming with your kids are transferable. If they see you understand gaming, they're more likely to value your input on other topics." - Ron Kerbs

About the speaker

Ron Kerbs

Kidas

- Kidas

Ron Kerbs is Founder and CEO at Kidas

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