On Xbox Live Do Your Children Encourage Online Pedophiles?
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I am older (in my 50’s) and I received an Xbox 360 from my sons for Christmas. I have 3 sons whom are
older and we are spread out across the country. This has been a great way for us to spend quality time
with each other playing together online. I can hardly wait for my grand children to be old enough to play.
Since I am older, and my reflexes are slower, than my sons I will sometimes go on to practice so I can
keep up. I am amazed at the language and trash talk that stems from the younger kids online. If I am
not playing with someone I know I will not use my headphones and microphone. I can still hear the kids
through the television speakers.
I am totally shocked that after playing a game with younger kids (and not talking to them) that they
would send me friend requests. These kids have absolutely now idea who or what I am. What if I really
was an online pedophile? This would be so easy to pickup kids! When you first set up an account on
XBox you select a gamer tag which is an online screen name so that your real name does not appear.
Too many times I see kids actually use their first names in this gamer tag. Also in many games you can
choose a clan tag which many times children will put their area codes in there. I could say hi Johnny I
see you live in Northern California so do I what city are you in? You can see where this can lead to.
Many parents monitor what their child does on the computer but neglect their online gaming. Your child
sits in his or her room with a headphone and microphone and you do not know who they are listening
to or speaking with.
Parents should encourage them to request and accept friend requests only from people they know.
Any parent can go into their child’s Xbox and view their friends list. Don’t be afraid to ask your child to
tell you who all the people are on their friends list. It is also important to check out your child’s online
reputation. Players are encouraged to submit reviews on people they play with. While checking out
their online friends you can select the link that says view rep, this will let you know your child’s online
behavior. The can be listed as a preferred player or an avoided player. The reputation will also let you
know if your child is using abusive language or trash talking online.
If your child is playing online I encourage you to make them leave the door open to their room so you
can hear what they are saying or the other kids are saying they are playing with. You can also go into
each of their friends and view their reputation as well. Xbox live is a great way to meet new friends but
parents of preteens and teens should be concerned as to whom their kids are playing with.
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