Do you have questions about your DCs and online gaming? Ask HSBC UK's gaming expert Andy Robertson

[CeriMumsnet]

Online gaming is extremely popular amongst young people, however it doesn’t come without its dangers and risks, from overspending to identity theft. As part of their Smart Gaming initiative, HSBC UK is working in partnership with Andy Robertson, founder of Family Gaming Database to support parents and young people to better manage their money and stay safe when gaming. Andy is here to answer your questions about online video games.

• Everyone who shares a question on the thread below will be entered into a prize draw.
• One lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher.
• Andy will be back online to answer a selection of your questions.

About Andy Robertson Andy is a father of 3 and has 15 years of experience working with families and video games. He is a journalist who has written for Forbes, BBC, The Guardian and The Mirror. He wrote the Taming Gaming book and founded the Family Gaming Database resource for parents.

Here's what HSBC UK has to say
'Financial education at an early age can teach children important future life skills. If your child is gaming online, then it is essential that they understand key money concepts such as spending and budgeting. The challenge is to stay in control and keep track of spending which is not always easy when your child is in the middle of an exciting new game.

It’s also crucial that young gamers are made aware of fraud and what to look out for. Identity theft, money muling and account fraud are unfortunately part of the online world. The HSBC UK gaming hub includes tips and resources to help children stay safe while enjoying gaming, including animated videos on spending, identity theft and fraud.'

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!
MNHQ

Mumsnet Insight T&Cs apply.

Is there any evidence that gamers are more likely to become problem gamblers in the future?

My daughter is starting to get interested in online gaming but I haven’t a clue about it. How do I make sure I keep on top of her safety online?

Some games encourage their players to interact on Discord channels. Are there any security risks with this? If so, how can the player protect themselves?

What age would you say is acceptable to start gaming and should you have the safety conversation with them prior to this?

How do I get my Son away from his mobile and computer. He doesnt get constant access but always sneaking away to watch this or that or chat with someone.

Any tips on trying to limit screen time? I don't mind my boys playing games on their switch or on my phone or my husband's but it's hard once they're on it to get them off again. I always think to myself it's just a phase and soon they'll be more interested in dating and socialising but maybe that's wishful thinking!

How do you help children understand when money spent in games is real, when so many games allow them to earn and spend coins in game. How can they tell the difference when it all feels like game money to them?

How on earth do you get them to start to self regulate screen use? They would be on them 24/7 if they could and admit they are addicted. At the moment I control time to an extent but when they are 16 etc I’ll have less power to do that.

How in the current cost of living crisis can you talk to your child about gaming.when everything seems to revolve around " buying more levels or bonus" how do they talk to them if you can't afford the same screen time anymore?

In your opinion, from what age is suitable for online gaming?

Does he really need a new version of FIFA every year?!?!

My son has asked for a computer for Christmas, he is only 10, so currently only interested in Roblox and Minecraft. Can you recommend games that are educational, or games that include an element of coding, so that I am prepared when he wants to progress to other games.

When did you start gaming, and do you feel you have had a problem with getting away from the screen or spending too much money ?

Do you think games like Roblox should be more age restricted? That game has caused more friction in our house than any other, with its addictive nature.

@kateandme only scrubs and people that are bad at the game buy levels that’s what I told my DS when he was little.

What games do you personally play and if you are in a multiplayer lobby and come across a player that is obviously a child who is underage what do you do?

Can games come with popups to remind the player that they have been on the game for a certain amount of time - or can I do this in the settings so I can regulate the playing time ?

I play games and don’t know why I have to be inundated with the trans flag rainbows unicorns and at the worst, porn manipulated images, I really object to such imagery being aimed at children. How can I object? CandyCrush is an offender for the first. I rarely look at the more complicated role playing games but when I do porn images come in even though I don’t think they are in the official sites.

Can I link my son's GoHenry card to his PlayStation account, to help him use his spending money, but I can monitor what he is spending ?

Can you recommend a fun game which is accurate to earning , prices increasing and wages not and spending, and budgeting money - I want my child to play a game were he can earn, invest, and spend money in a virtual world which he will find interesting (we all know supermarket shopping is boring )

Is there a tutorial which you have come across which is child friendly which covers the subjects of Identity theft, money muling and account fraud which aimed at 9-10 year old - set at their level

Do you have any statistics on how many children have been affected by money muling - I have never heard of this numbers would help me understand how big the problem is - are there moderators on games to oversee what is happening in the chats on-line - and to warn youngsters not to go onto private chat with anyone (I tell my DC this - but would like assurance that chat rooms are monitored)

my DS more often than not play off line -I think it is safer that way. If I allow them to join on-line gaming over the Christmas holidays - is there anything in the settings which I can change, or any software I can download to help them stay safe on-line ?

Would you recommend paying by top up card, rather than linking a credit/debit card to your PSN account - how many PSN accounts are hacked for details - how do I keep my card details safer on line ?? As a family we all use one PSN account

I have set up 2 profiles on our gaming console one for us and one for the children - can my ISP have different settings for each profile - i.e more restrictions, and which ISP would you recommend for speed (they say the games lag occasionally- we are ob Plusnet)

Is there evidence that playing games like Fortnite leads to anti social and even violent behaviour? Or is it all to do with how much time spent on it/a balance of other stuff?