For many people, gaming appears to be a solo endeavour. But with online gaming on the rise it has become a way to connect and communicate with people from all walks of life, from across the globe. For those of us who live able-bodied lives, we experience inter-human connection every day—we even have the luxury of complaining about having too much.&nbsp;For those with disabilities, life can look very different. Even seemingly basic issues such as wheelchair access prevents people from moving around the world as we do. With all these limitations to connecting with people, feelings of isolation are a common experience in that they are 51% more likely to be socially isolated than their able-bodied peers. What if a world where there are no limits could exist to explore freely? Well, for many, online gaming offers just this.&nbsp;Time spent online can offer a whole host of benefits to all of us when done right. It is a chance for them to meet people, play, learn and to explore more independently. Online gaming can play a huge role in reducing feelings of isolation by enabling disabled individuals to connect with others globally. These interactions can lead to friendships and a sense of community—a core human need.&nbsp;Many games offer customizable controls and accessibility options, such as voice commands, adapted controllers, or the ability to adjust visual and auditory settings. This inclusivity allows individuals with various disabilities to participate.&nbsp; Some games are designed specifically for rehabilitation purposes, helping players improve motor skills, balance, and coordination. Virtual reality (VR) games, for instance, can be used in physical therapy to make exercises more engaging. These technologies can be tailored to specific needs, providing immersive experiences that can be both entertaining and therapeutic. Games as we know all too well can help improve cognitive functions, such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination. But beyond this they can also provide a safe environment to practice social and communication skills which for some may not manifest in speech or even written text.&nbsp;In the virtual world, physical limitations are often irrelevant. This can level the playing field, allowing disabled gamers to compete and collaborate with others on equal terms. While life online may not include tasks as simple as walking to the store to buy their groceries, in games they can run, fly, swim to get what they need to complete tasks, or perhaps more importantly, whatever they want to spark joy. Success in gaming is an area we often talk about. In young people, rewards can help provide focus and help them to reach goals that might otherwise feel too large or overwhelming by breaking them down into smaller actions. In others, it can boost confidence and provide a sense of achievement in an activity that can be done independently, enhancing the sense of autonomy.Hand in hand with creating moments of autonomy, gaming offers a rich and diverse network of communities. Online communities can offer emotional support and a sense of belonging. Many disabled gamers find solace in these communities, where they can share experiences and advice related to both gaming and personal challenges.By creating inclusive and accessible gaming environments, the gaming industry can continue to provide valuable opportunities for disabled individuals. <a href="https://ablegamers.org/">AbleGamers</a> has been creating opportunities that enable play in order to combat social isolation for the past 20 years. They work to ensure that people with disabilities have rich well rounded lives that let them be their best selves and to have something to look forward to.&nbsp;In the WoU game development team we’re working to make our game as inclusive and as accessible as we can. Including languages from around the globe and a unified way for inter-player communication. In WoU, players cannot communicate via text or audio, but instead use a universal system of emojis and hand gestures plus text-to-voice automations with the guide, NOLA, offers visually impaired players, or players with reading difficulties a helping hand. On top of this, we have made it possible to play along with a keyboard and mouse or console controller, and players can tailor colors and sounds to their personal needs so every gamer feels comfortable as they explore.&nbsp;As we have found the benefits of rewards to be a key driver in keeping players feeling most of our quests have no time limit. This means players can take more time to solve puzzles and won’t feel frustrated or disheartened.But we didn’t stop there.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.worldofus.info/content/a-new-player-has-entered-the-game">NOLA</a> our guide offers hints as support and has been programmed for positive reinforcement only. If players struggle to complete quests and games there’s plenty of resources scattered throughout the game to keep them motivated and exploring for longer.&nbsp;While we’re proud of the work we’ve done to get this far, through the years we hope to develop even further into the future of accessible gaming.&nbsp;

How We Can Combat Loneliness Through Online Play

Gaming vs. Isolation

Look on any social media and you’ll see people of all ages sharing things about their lives. It could be a new hobby they're learning or where they've been on holiday. As harmless as young people may see these now, like instinctive shareable moments, guardians still need to keep one eye on this online openness.&nbsp;Internet connections can now be accessed in large areas of the world, and the tech that goes with it—tablets, phones, even smart televisions—is often readily available. These devices are great spaces to explore and play and since the global pandemic forced education to move online in large areas of the world, it is also a familiar space for Gen Alpha (11 years old or younger) to turn to. In 2024, we will see around 36.2 million children in this age group use the internet—around 12 million more than the age group above.&nbsp;“Overall trends for apps and sites YouTube was the most used online platform among 3-17-year-olds (88%), followed by WhatsApp (55%), TikTok (53%), Snapchat (46%), Instagram (41%) and Facebook (34%).” - <a href="https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/255852/childrens-media-use-and-attitudes-report-2023.pdf">Ofcom</a>In recent years, YouTube has become a firm favourite for younger audiences. Nowadays, it is used much like a google search engine with people watching tutorials on everything from how to style their hair to how to kickflip. Young people are drawn to this step-by-step visual breakdown and it is only to be assumed that the growing interest came from the time spent in 2020-2021 spent socialising predominantly online. One incredible movement has been that young people aren’t just wanting to use these platforms to learn, they also want to create and share their own versions of hacks to help peers learn. The students have literally become the masters.&nbsp;In this time frame, it was not only learning that turned digital. Social media rocketed. What was already a fast-growing trend machine developed into a primary way to stay connected with friends and family from afar. With new tech developing—and old tech improving—multiple message platforms are now digital must-haves and mean that kids communicate through Bitmojis, video messages, and voice notes.&nbsp;&nbsp;We all remember the joy of playing with our friends when young, and online gaming has created a new layer of connectivity between friends allowing them to meet in online worlds. When combined with the above mentioned social boom online, there are now incredible opportunities for play amongst young people only a click away.“A key reason children aged 3-17 said they played games was to ‘hang out with friends’ (24%). On top of this, our study found that children aged 8-17 used games as a way of playing with (55%) and chatting with (47%) people they knew.”&nbsp;- <a href="https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/255852/childrens-media-use-and-attitudes-report-2023.pdf">Ofcom</a>Multiplayer games allow for friends to play against each other, or to play in teams against others online. This does open up some obvious areas of concern with 22% of Gen Alpha kids admitting to talking to people they don’t know. Any child interested in online gaming where chatrooms exist should be warned of this and learn which information is strictly for family matters. You wouldn’t want your bank card details going anywhere unexpected.“Parents expressed concerns about many aspects of children’s media use, including being bullied online (70%) or via games (54%), but the most common concerns among parents related to their child seeing content that was inappropriate for their age (75%).”&nbsp;- <a href="https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/255852/childrens-media-use-and-attitudes-report-2023.pdf">Ofcom</a>Games often come with age restrictions and guardians with any hesitation should look into the gameplay and see for themselves if they think it is appropriate for their child—just jump onto YouTube and take a look at game walkthroughs. Better yet, we encourage guardians to join the fun and learn more about gaming through experiences with kids in real time. It’s a great way to open up new avenues of conversation in the home, plus it gives you an opportunity to keep an eye out for any content beyond their years. It will also show you the language that is developing online. Slang and pop culture have always been prevalent in young people’s vocabulary. By joining the conversation, you could build a better understanding of how your kids communicate with each other and strengthen relationships between you and your young ones.&nbsp;All of these considerations are of course crucial to how we are building the World of Us. As an online game targeted at educating and entertaining 8 years old and below, we take the safety of what children will be able to access and share very seriously (so you don’t have to).Our mission at WoU Info is to help keep guardians in the loop on all things online, especially when it comes to the world we’re building from scratch.&nbsp;

A Guide for Guardians into the World of Online Sharing Habits

The Real Scoop on Kids and Online Sharing

”How does participation in the digital world influence children’s cognitive and social development?”“What skills, knowledge and capabilities do children need to manage, engage and benefit from participating in the digital world?”“How can family, educators and society effectively support children’s involvement in the digital world?”These are the three initial questions posed by the Woolf Fisher Research Centre at the University of Auckland. This study,&nbsp;<a href="https://developingindigitalworlds.blogs.auckland.ac.nz/">Developing in Digital Worlds</a>, began in July 2015 in order that parents, teachers and children would be offered the opportunity to understand developing engagement in the digital world. The concept was bolstered by the fact that “despite the promise of digital technologies, little research and development has occurred to determine the cognitive skills and the social skills children need.” This work looked into subject areas across English, maths, science and Māori contexts, informed by ‘new knowledge’ obtained from children aged 4-18. This study was the first of its kind. Focusing entirely on developing the link between teaching, engagement and game-based learning to promote educational outcomes, the research team began with three main objectives, detailed below:&nbsp;One, to understand the development and learning of ‘21st Century’ skills in children and adolescents;Two, to understand how we can prevent new digital environments opening up a second ‘digital divide’ between low socio-economic status or diverse cultural and linguistic communities, from more affluent ‘mainstream’ communities;And three, to understand how development of these skills differs between educational environments. The study surveys ‘early adopting’ clusters of schools, in which students are exposed to high-usage digital environments in and out-of-school, as well as ‘later adopting’ clusters whose students are at the initial stages of digital interaction. The Developing in Digital Worlds study also includes Māori medium Kura, in line with the Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovation’s Vision Mātauranga policy.Looking at accessibility“Educational professionals, networks, and parents/whānau'' will be offered long-term access to all of the digital resources and knowledge found throughout the study. This aims to create a digital knowledge exchange unbounded by socioeconomic borders and status. The study is focused on low socioeconomic communities, and intends to prevent a “digital divide”. Education trusts at partnering schools have contributed to the study through feedback sessions, partnerships and additional projects. This means that the scope of the study includes a true reflection of the diversity present in New Zealand with both Māori and Pasifika communities represented.&nbsp;But, what is the Digital Divide?The digital divide refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology and those that don’t.*Creating the gameFollowing their research, the team responsible used their findings to design and develop the educational game&nbsp;Astria: Countdown to Impact.&nbsp;The game “provides a collaborative game experience” to encourage players to expand their critical thinking and critical literacy, discovering important links to inclusive texts from the New Zealand Curriculum Te Marautanga O Aotearoa. The main focus of the game is to demonstrate the importance of ‘source, fact, bias’ framing, and offers teachers agency to create their own analysis of students’ critical reasoning and knowledge expansion. It also features automated assessment tools as well as real-time feedback reporting and critical literacy discourse options. Schools around the world are offered the option to login online and play the game, with widespread access creating borderless communication and a wider reach for digital knowledge exchange.What we can learn from this workWe can explore this study as a blueprint for understanding the important educational links between community and digital engagement. The focus on 21st-century skills with an added layer of respect to traditional texts and social involvement is particularly pertinent to our work at World of Us. We have also learned from how social and digital development can grow parallel, and that parents, teachers and families must be involved in every stage of the process to ensure a complete picture of the needs of children in this evolving landscape.&nbsp;*To learn more about the digital divide this resource from Investopedia breaks it down nicely <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/the-digital-divide-5116352 ">here</a>.&nbsp;

Dive into the first study in the world to develop the link between teaching, family engagement and game-based learning

Digital Futures

Spotlight on Developing in Digital Worlds

When the World of Us game was being imagined we found ourselves coming back time and time again to the same question: Can you take the experience of learning in a museum and translate it into an online space for children? But that only left us faced with a larger discussion. If you can recreate museums online, is this the way forward?Home to history, museums have long been the guardians of knowledge. They allow the public to explore beyond borders and travel through time—sometimes over centuries. With all this culture housed in brick and mortar, the desire to expand its accessibility online is both tantalising and challenging.&nbsp;If you can’t see it, touch it, stare in awe at it, will the younger generations still engage with it?&nbsp;During our exploration we learned many things. Notably, we uncovered some underpinnings of traditional museums—particularly those in affluent cities—that might not always narrate an authentic truth. The journey of many artefacts to these establishments has been, at times, fraught with ethical dilemmas and a clouded history. Items that were once unknown are now being identified and better understood. And also, the introduction of modern moments in time that hold weight in the world as we know it now.&nbsp;In such instances, we pondered whether the digital realm offers a way to right these historical wrongs. Can new technology better narrate a more inclusive and truthful history, setting a new paradigm for future generations?In this series, we’re not just looking at the replacement of physical with virtual. We’re analysing the very essence of education, representation, and the experiences we want to impart to future generations.Before we can build something in the World of Us we have to best understand its strengths and weaknesses in the world we live in—IRL. Museum learning has only ever been imagined one way. We want to know what the future holds for these things of the past.&nbsp;

Museums have been around for centuries but what does the future hold for these homes of history

Reimagining Museums as Hubs of Digital Learning

In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, education is undergoing a profound transformation. Traditional classroom settings are increasingly incorporating technology and innovative teaching methods to engage and motivate students. One approach gaining traction is the concept of so-called gamified classrooms. As the name dictates, it leverages elements of game design to create an interactive learning experience.&nbsp;The gamified classroom: a paradigm shift in educationThis concept isn’t actually as new-age as it may sound. Over the last decade gamification has boomed, providing educators with a fresh perspective on enhancing learning outcomes. Gamified classrooms are designed to captivate students' attention, foster critical thinking, and promote active participation. This shift is particularly vital in the developing digital space, where access to technology is expanding. Though a challenge still remains in maintaining quality education.Gamification in education offers several benefits. Firstly, it can increase student engagement. By incorporating typical game elements such as points, badges, and rewards, educators can make learning more enjoyable and interactive. Gamification also promotes a sense of competition, which motivates students to excel and achieve their educational goals. This competitive spirit can be channelled positively to encourage collaboration and peer learning.Gamified classrooms can be personalised to cater to individual student needs. Adaptive learning systems can provide tailored content and challenges based on a student's skill level, ensuring that no one is left behind. This unique approach is especially valuable in developing digital spaces where educational resources may be limited.Building 21st-Century skillsOne of the most compelling aspects of gamified classrooms is their ability to foster 21st-century skills. In an increasingly interconnected world, students need to develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy. Gamification incorporates these skills into the learning process organically.Games often present complex challenges that require strategic thinking and creative problem-solving. By integrating such challenges into the curriculum, gamified classrooms prepare students for real-world situations where these skills are invaluable. Digital literacy can also be enhanced as students navigate through gamified interfaces, becoming proficient in using technology as a tool for learning.Addressing learning gapsIn the developing digital space, access to quality education can be uneven. Gamified classrooms have the potential to bridge this gap by making learning more accessible and engaging. These classrooms can be implemented across various platforms, including low-cost devices and mobile phones. This adaptability allows students in remote or underserved areas to access quality education without requiring expensive infrastructure.Additionally, the ability to track and analyse student progress in gamified classrooms provides educators with valuable insights. Teachers can identify areas where students are struggling and provide targeted support, thereby reducing learning disparities. This data-driven approach is particularly important in regions where educational resources are limited and where personalised instruction can make a significant difference.Challenges and considerationsWhile gamified classrooms hold great promise, they are not without challenges. Educators must strike a balance between gamification elements and the core curriculum to ensure that learning objectives are met. Additionally, not all students may respond positively to gamified approaches, so it is essential to provide alternative methods to accommodate different learning styles.Furthermore, the digital divide remains a significant concern in developing regions. While gamified classrooms have the potential to address this issue, it is crucial to ensure that all students have access to the necessary technology and infrastructure.Gamified classrooms represent a transformative approach to education in the developing digital space. By incorporating game elements into the learning process, educators can enhance engagement, foster 21st-century skills, and address learning gaps. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionise education and make quality learning experiences more accessible to students worldwide.In a world where technology is advancing rapidly, gamified classrooms serve as a beacon of hope, offering a dynamic and adaptable educational solution that prepares students for the challenges of the digital age. As the digital space continues to evolve, the integration of gamification in education may become a cornerstone of modern learning, ensuring that students are not only prepared for the future but actively engaged in shaping it.

Addressing learning gaps and building new skills

Future of Education

What is the role of gamified classrooms in the developing digital space?

What if there was a way that the world of gaming could positively enhance our access to and experiences of the digital space? Revered game developer Mike Wilson and former medtech executive Ryan Douglas are the minds behind <a href="https://www.deepwelldtx.com/">Deepwell</a>. The pair have found through combining their multi-industry expertise with extensive research into things like gaming versus medication, or the impact of games on PTSD and psychological therapy outcomes that this could become a not-so-distant reality.This is a new concept of therapeutic gaming, or “medicinalisation” as coined by Ryan Douglas during the <a href="https://www.gamesforchange.org/">Games for Change</a> talk on mental health and gaming in August. Douglas expressed the complexities of designing a new sector in the gaming industry founded in therapeutic research and made solely for the gamified therapy market. He also shared just how diverse, accessible and powerful therapeutic gaming could be for mental health around the world. This process of “finding the fun” while ensuring the therapeutic tools remain at the core of these new gaming concepts is explored in detail during the <a href="https://www.gamesforchange.org/">Games for Change</a> talk.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxmMDFh62qA">Check it out here!</a>

What is the positive power of play? And how can we use it to support our mental health?

Educational Games

Digital Safety 

Beyond Entertainment: The role of Gaming in Mental Resilience

Are you looking for a way to engage young kids in a way that is as thrilling as it is beneficial and educational? Then multilingual games could be the answer. Each time your young ones embark on a new quest, thay can unlock new languages, cultures, and cognitive superpowers. No matter whether your household speaks multiple languages or just one, the benefits can expand their horizons—and entertainment doesn’t have to be compromised along the way.&nbsp;Level Up Language SkillsImagine watching your kids learning a new language without even realising it. Multilingual games make this possible by immersing you in environments where you can practice vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation simply by being involved.These games transform language learning into an adventure. As if by magic, new words and phrases will start to become a part of their ways of thinking from simple greetings to longer instructions, and later responses that allow them to flex their newfound grammar understanding. And best still, it’s all done under the banner of fun.&nbsp;Boost Brain PowerPlaying games in multiple languages isn’t just fun—it’s a workout for the brain. By enhancing cognitive flexibility, the ability to switch between tasks and thoughts with ease will sharpen problem solving skills and encourage players to get creative with how to find their solutions.&nbsp;And let's not forget, there’s a huge memory boost that comes with learning a new language.Appreciate New CulturesMultilingual games with multilingual players are a passport to cultural discovery. Each game is infused with cultural elements that offer a glimpse into different traditions, histories, and worldviews. By navigating these diverse worlds, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for various cultures. Plus, understanding cultural nuances can make meeting new people from around the world easier and open young minds to look beyond what is directly around them.Connect and CommunicateOne of the most rewarding aspects of multilingual games is the ability to connect with people from around the globe. Communication skills come more naturally as you learn to express yourself in different languages. These games also create inclusive environments where players from diverse linguistic backgrounds can come together, fostering cooperation and community building. Whether you’re teaming up in a multiplayer game or competing in a language-learning challenge, the social benefits can be immense.Expand Your HorizonsFor non-native speakers, multilingual games provide greater accessibility, opening up a world of entertainment and learning. Moreover, proficiency in multiple languages is a prized skill in today’s global job market. By playing multilingual games, you’re not just having fun; you’re also building valuable language skills that can enhance your career prospects.As we at World Of Us continue to develop a game we believe can be accessible across the globe for young players, we look to multilingual gameplay as an example of the connectivity we aim to provide our young players. As guardians, we want to encourage you to look into how your kids can benefit from multilingual play and continue to grow their communication skills to use long into their futures.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Uncover the benefits of multilingual online play

Multilingual Gaming? You’re Speaking Our Language

When creating a game you first have to know the story you want to tell. As gaming technology has developed over the past years, so has players’ desire for a strong narrative they can relate to—paired with tasks that champion their beliefs.&nbsp;It’s a much bigger challenge than just getting players to lose themselves in the game and find their <a href="https://www.worldofus.info/content/how-can-young-gamers-find-their-flow">flow</a>. Storytelling dictates how the player will interact with the space around them, the characters of the game, even other online players.&nbsp;When creating a land of stories such as in the WoU Game, we knew that we needed to really focus on how our global network of collaborators could all feel seen in one space—and how others could jump into this mix of culture to play along.&nbsp;Culture is far richer than just the languages we speak. Making sure that clothing, nature, and food all get represented authentically is a primary task for the game developers exploring localisation. At WoU, we have dedicated teams who experience these places firsthand to better understand everything from how nature grows and moves, to the intricacies of traditional prints and colours. All of these things help to communicate the themes of our game, but it got tricky when it came to adding language…So, we are creating a game without speech.&nbsp;Okay, just inter-player speech… Our storytellers felt very strongly that they can build a game that communicates the richness of individual cultures but also creates a level and fair space where language cannot become a barrier to enjoyment.&nbsp;Technology can do wild and wonderful things. But the reality of adding real-time translations into a game that we hope to reach all corners of the world was slowing us down. It’s not to say we did think it would work, rather the further we developed our characters and gameplay the more we realised that adding text communication wasn’t key to achieving our goals. We want young people to be immersed in the nature, colour, and sounds of the world—adding too many more layers felt like more of a distraction than an asset.&nbsp;Naturally there are exceptions. NOLA our game guide will talk to players. This guide role has been created to steer players toward new opportunities and to make sure that everyone understands the foundations of how to operate their players in the world online. For this reason, we wanted to make sure one character was able to give clear instructions that would ensure players felt confident to look around and begin interacting with the space. We also wanted to ensure children learning in classrooms could access support from teachers. Players will be able to select how they get a guardian’s attention through various methods that include: typing messages in a one-to-one chat, or calling the teacher over for in-person conversation.&nbsp;But how will players be able to play together if no one can talk?Written communication in games can sometimes become a cause of tension: allowing one person to dominate the conversation over younger or quieter players. Words can also unfortunately lead to young people’s information being used in ways they don’t fully understand. Thankfully, much like in real life, there are many ways to express yourself without words.&nbsp;One of the key ways we plan on connecting our players is through gestures and expressions. Our team is currently testing exactly which gestures young people need the most to express themselves with others. Much like in social media and texting, emojis now play a huge role in communication providing a visual aid to assist translating feelings. Our team wanted to push that idea further in our game and have movement play a bigger role in the signals. Finding the most globally understood gestures is key here as different cultures can have their own interpretations. It’s not been a totally smooth ride so far, a small error in creating one gesture led it to appear that one player was trying to hit another. (Don’t worry, it won’t be making the final cut!)For the most part, playtests with kids have shown that not being able to talk to other players directly isn’t hindering any joy spent exploring the WoU landscape. Walking, surfing and flying through the skies already allows them so much to do that simple acts of gathering and combining resources is already showing us how kids can enjoy the peace and quiet.&nbsp;We’re so excited to see this new skill develop. If you want to be part of this new unspoken adventure then make sure to sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know more about—and to play—our WoU game.&nbsp;

An exploration of how language plays a role in game development

The Art of Communication in Global Gaming 

What is Streaming Culture?Today, "streaming" is a universal term used to describe live content online. Streaming has now become so mainstream that you’ll find it on nearly every social platform, including Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. However, the majority of creators operate on Twitch, an interactive live streaming service with content on all things gaming, entertainment, sports, music, and more. And when we say majority, we mean it. Twitch was introduced in June 2011 as a spin-off of the general-interest streaming platform Justin.tv, and by 2023 generated an estimated $3 billion in <a href="https://www.businessofapps.com/data/twitch-statistics/">global revenue</a>.What to Watch Out For in a Live StreamSo, what are the key elements of a live stream? The main window is where all the action happens—you’ll see either visuals from the game or your host streamer here. To the right is the live chat feed, often filled with interactions and commentary from viewers. In the chat, users often talk about the game, ask questions, or weigh in with their own advice. Below the main window is usually a bio on the streamer, including options for subscribing, donating, or giving subscription gifts. (Subscription gifts are paid subscriptions that can be gifted to others.)Why Should You, as a Guardian, Know About Streaming?It's important for guardians to understand that not all streaming content is created equal. Like any other medium, there is kid-friendly content and more mature material. Sometimes the game might seem age appropriate but the language used by the streamer might not be. For instance, Kai Cenat, one of the most popular streamers today with 12.7 million followers, often creates content that isn't always suitable for younger viewers. On the other hand, a streamer like paulsoaresjr focuses on Minecraft, making his content more <a href="https://www.stealthgaming.net/blog/5-most-child-friendly-gaming-streamers/">appropriate for children</a>.As with any form of media consumption, moderation is key. What your children watch is just as important—if not more so—than how much time they spend watching. The live nature of streaming means that anything can happen, even on kid-friendly channels. However, moderators (people hired to monitor the chat) and strong community guidelines usually help prevent or catch any mishaps. Since streamers often archive their content, much of what is watched on platforms like Twitch or YouTube is in a post-live format, where inappropriate moments might be edited out. Still, a big part of the live experience is the chat room, where viewers interact with emojis, GIFs, and friendly banter, all under the supervision of the streamer and their moderators.&nbsp;How Can You Get Involved with Your Kids While They Stream?If you’re unsure where to start, simply ask your children about streaming. Find out if they know what it is and which streamers they enjoy watching. Some kids may even aspire to become streamers themselves, which they can do once they’re 13 years old, according to Twitch’s policy. And if you get into it too, you could even stream with them if you wanted. By learning more about their interests, you might be able to see if there’s room to nurture these ambitions in a safe, controlled environment.So, What Will Streaming Look Like in Your Home?Streaming culture has become a significant part of the digital landscape, especially for younger generations since 2020. As a parent, staying informed about the content your children consume and the platforms they use is essential to ensuring time spent online stays fun and engaging. By giving streaming culture a try and engaging with your kids' interests, you can help ensure they have a positive and safe experience while exploring this dynamic and interactive form of entertainment. Who knows, you might end up raising the next big name in Gaming Content?

The Real Scoop on Kids and Online Sharing

Multilingual Gaming? You’re Speaking Our Language

The Art of Communication in Global Gaming

Entering the World of Live Content

Gaming vs. Isolation