Ready, set, game: Learn how to keep video gaming safe and fun

Educate yourself. Become familiar with game ratings and privacy statements, and review each online gaming site's terms of acceptable use. See the Xbox Live code of conduct page as an example.

Observe. Watch the games your children play and with whom they play. Place the computer or game console (for example, Microsoft Xbox) in a place where you can easily monitor activity, and take an interest in the games your children play.

Make rules. You should do this before your child goes online, and make sure that he or she understands the rules. Typical rules include: limit play time, play with off-line world friends only, never chat with strangers, and never give out any personal information, which includes the child's real name or where they live. For some ideas on how to set up house rules, read Family contracts: Web code of conduct for kids.

Monitor game chats and messages. If a player uses inappropriate language, encourage your child to tell you and you might be able to select the offender’s name from the players list to mute or block their messages, or you can report them to game administrators using e-mail, chat, or feedback. Check the game site in question for more information.

Ensure privacy. Advise your kids never to give out any personal information (for example, their name, age, gender, or home address), pictures of themselves, or agree to meet someone in person, when they use online chats. Make sure they know to tell you immediately if someone asks for this information.

Use voice chat wisely. Some game systems allow you to use a headset to voice chat with other players. (This is not recommended for younger children.) See your computer or game console manual for more information about this feature.

Note: Voice masking or cloaking technology that can disguise a child's real voice is now available for computers and most game consoles, such as Microsoft Xbox. Note that adults can use voice masking, too, and not everyone is necessarily who they say they are.

Choose appropriate names. Have your child use suitable screen or character names (also called gamertags) that follow the rules of the game site. These names should not reveal any personal information or potentially invite harassment.

Be aware of cyberbullies. Learn how to deal with bullies in online games, also known as griefers. To find out more about griefers, read 10 tips for dealing with game cyberbullies and griefers.

Teach your kids cybersafe habits. Tell your kids that if they feel uncomfortable with anything that's going on in a game, they should stop playing and tell you about it immediately, so you can record and report the issue if necessary.

Participate. One of the safest ways for your kids to play online games is if you play with them. This may be the last thing they want to do, especially if they're older kids, but it's a good way to help them learn how to deal with others online while they still have fun.