Online Games are played sattaking over the internet using a computer, game console or smart phone. They include classic board and card games with online versions, social games integrating Facebook and other popular websites, and massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) where players are a part of a virtual world where they interact with each other.

For kids especially, online gaming has become a way to communicate and stay in touch with friends from a distance. The COVID-19 pandemic has required kids to practice social distancing and these online games allow them to connect in a safe space that doesn’t require them to ride their bikes or walk across town.

Regardless of age, online gaming has the potential to foster friendships and social skills that can help kids build self-confidence and make connections they may have difficulty making otherwise. Especially in games where users can interact with other players, like word and social games, they’re able to make similar mistakes, share tips and laugh at inside jokes just as they would in real life.

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It’s important to talk to your kids about their online gaming, and to ensure that they are playing with friends they know and trust. Additionally, it’s a good idea to play games with them, and to keep technology in shared family spaces rather than bedrooms. Finally, it’s important to regularly check in with your children and their gaming to make sure they’re keeping safe, aren’t sharing information that could identify them and to ensure that their gaming isn’t interfering with their school work or sleep schedule.