Stivichall Primary School Online Safety GAMING Stivichall Primary School

Children in our school have told us they have played these. Which of these games are in your house? Do you monitor what younger family members access? Call of Duty Mortal Kombat Medal of Honour Dead Space 2 Fall out Castlevania Assassins Creed Halo Grand theft Auto Naughty Bear Mafia Kane and Lynch Dead Rising Children in our school have told us they have played these. 19 children in Year 4 said they had played Call of Duty after it was bought for Christmas There was an alarming number of children in Year 6 playing these games both with family members and online with people they didn’t know.

Grand Theft Auto V A widely anticipated game, Grand Theft Auto V broke industry sales records and became the fastest-selling entertainment product in history, earning US $800 million in its first day and US $1 billion in its first three days. It received widespread critical acclaim, with praise directed at its multiple protagonist design, open world, presentation and gameplay. It has shipped over 54 million copies and is one of the best selling video games of all time.

Plot line for GTA Los Santos: a sprawling sun-soaked metropolis full of self-help gurus, starlets and fading celebrities, once the envy of the Western world, now struggling to stay afloat in an era of economic uncertainty and cheap reality TV. Amidst the turmoil, three very different criminals plot their own chances of survival and success: Franklin, a former street gangster, now looking for real opportunities and serious money; Michael, a professional ex-con whose retirement is a lot less rosy than he hoped it would be; and Trevor, a violent maniac driven by the chance of a cheap high and the next big score. Running out of options, the crew risks everything in a series of daring and dangerous heists that could set them up for life.

PEGI Ratings Computer and video games are now enjoyed by millions of players throughout Europe. In the UK, 37 % of the population aged between 16 and 49 describe themselves as ‘active gamers’ (defined as currently playing games on a console, handheld or PC). While most games (49%) are suitable for players of all ages there are many that are only suitable for older children and young teenagers. There are also some games (4%) that are made for adults only (over the age of 18).

PEGI Ratings PEGI rating 7 and above does contain some violence which is deemed to be unrealistic violence. There also may be some ‘frightening sounds.’ PEGI rating 12 allows mild swearing, sexual posturing and gambling. The violence also is more graphic, showing injury details.

PEGI Ratings Most of the games mentioned by children were rated 18. This rating is applied when the level of violence becomes gross. Gross violence is classed as horrific methods of bringing death or severe injury, including torture, decapitation or dismemberment.   Violence against vulnerable characters such as children and the elderly may feature, along with motiveless violence against innocents. Sexual violence and threat are also classified at PEGI 18. The game may include detailed descriptions of criminal techniques, or it may glamorise the use of illegal drugs. Sexual activity with visible genital organs can be shown. Most of the games mentioned by children were rated 18.

CHECK THE GAMES!?

Useful website http://gamesratingauthority.org/GRA/ This is a really useful website which allows you to research the content of any game. It will provide ‘detailed content information’ It also provides details on all consoles and steps on how to alter your parental controls. Find a link on our school website- follow online safety.

‘Free’ Online Games… As children get older they will begin to explore the world of free online games. Millions out there – most completely harmless – driving, sport, dressing up, make up, Lego etc. However, within many of these ‘free’ game sites there are many hidden games which are easily accessible and completely inappropriate.