In today's digital age, video games are an ever-present part of many children's lives. While games can provide entertainment and even educational value, many parents worry about the violence, adult content, and addiction potential of certain games. One solution is to utilize "unblocked" game sites - online portals that provide access to games that are typically blocked on school networks. However, while circumventing filters, these sites also bypass parents' ability to monitor and control their child's gaming activities.
As a parent, it's important to keep an open dialogue with your child about their gaming habits. Discuss which games they enjoy, why they like certain games, and how gaming makes them feel. Talk about your concerns - for example, that some games promote negative stereotypes or normalized violence. Ask them questions to understand if gaming is interfering with other aspects of their life. Foster a relationship of trust and mutual understanding.
It's also key to establish clear rules and limitations. How much time per day/week is reasonable for recreational gaming? What types of games are off-limits based on content, user interactions, or other factors? Make sure to explain your reasoning - you want to protect their safety and wellbeing, and ensure a healthy balance with school, physical activity, social connections, and other priorities. Check in periodically to see if adjustments need to be made as your child matures.
So how do you put these rules into practice when it comes to unblocked gaming sites? Here are some tips:
Monitor Browsing History and Use Parental Controls
Most devices and networks allow parents to view browsing history and set restrictions. On your home WiFi router, you can block gaming sites entirely or limit access during certain times of day. On your child's computer, smartphone, or gaming console, activate parental controls to require approval for new app downloads and disable access to particular sites or genres.
Use Geolocation Tracking for Mobile Devices
When your child uses a smartphone or tablet, taking advantage of geolocation tracking allows you to monitor their physical location. This ensures they aren't accessing gaming sites when they are supposed to be elsewhere. Share your locations on apps like Find My Friends or Life360.
Limit Access to App Stores and Downloads
Lock down your child's ability to download new games from Google Play, the iOS App Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, and other digital marketplaces for gaming content. Disable in-app purchases to prevent extra charges. Require password entry for any new additions.
Check Their Gaming Profiles and Friends Lists
Most online games require registered accounts and multiplayer interactions. Review your child's gaming profiles and friends lists on platforms like Steam, Epic Games, Roblox, etc. This allows you to see how much time they spend gaming, read chat logs, and know who they interact with.
Use Time-Management and Activity Monitoring Software
Programs like Bark, Qustodio, and FamilyTime provide detailed reporting on device usage that can detect and flag unblocked gaming sites. You can view time spent on games versus other activities and set time limits that block access after a threshold is reached.
Communicate With Other Parents
Connect with other parents to discuss gaming habits and concerns. Swap strategies on enforcing rules and technical solutions. Share lists of appropriate games for certain ages. Identify “red flag” games to avoid. Develop a unified approach for sleepovers or other situations with multiple kids.
Set Up Devices in Communal Spaces
Don’t allow computers, consoles or handhelds in your child's bedroom where it's harder to monitor use. Keep them in family rooms and shared living spaces so you can casually observe what games they are accessing.
Role Model Healthy Gaming Behavior
As a parent, reflect on your own technology use. Avoid overindulging in gaming, social media or other digital diversions. Model self-control and balance. Demonstrate prioritizing real-world relationships and activities.
Explore Healthy Alternatives to Problematic Games
If your child becomes over-obsessed with a particular game, research alternatives that are more positive. For action games, suggest sports like martial arts or fencing. Instead of open-ended games like Minecraft, introduce Lego robotics kits or model building.
Set Other Boundaries Around Gaming
No screens before bedtime, during meals, or when visiting with family and friends. Homework and chores must be done first. Link gaming time to completing positive behaviors that demonstrate responsibility.
Unblocked gaming opens up a virtual world of entertainment, but also uncertainty. While not overbearing, parents need to establish guidance: monitoring use, setting limitations, understanding risks and communicating openly. This allows children to safely experience the thrill of gaming while developing healthy habits and interests away from the screen.
Navigating the world of unblocked games can be challenging for parents seeking to monitor their child's online activity. Platforms like Games 77 Free and Unblocked offer a plethora of options that kids can easily access, making parental oversight crucial. Meanwhile, 66 Games Without Restrictions may have a mix of both educational and purely recreational games. To keep a balance, parents can utilize built-in parental controls or third-party monitoring software, ensuring that children are exposed to age-appropriate content while also learning valuable skills.
