For as long as we can remember, mankind has been entertaining himself in his free time in a whole variety of different ways. Fairly recently, however, how we spent our free time changed dramatically thanks to the invention of games consoles.

Ever since the days of Pong, Frogger, Space Invaders, and other classics, we’ve found ourselves spending more and more time and money on gaming. Thanks to the invention of the internet, however, we’ve gone one step further and have adopted online gaming.

Online gaming is generally a very good thing, as it allows children and adults, the opportunity to hop online, enjoy their favourite game, and play against opposition from all corners of the globe.

As beneficial as online gaming can be, though, there is also a dark side which is why new laws, rules, and regulations have been enforced, will be enforced, and may be coming into force in the near future.

Here are a few important things to know.

Age-rating systems

Remember how, years ago when you were a child, how seriously regulated age-ratings were for films and TV shows? Well, the powers that be want this type of seriousness to once more be a part of everyday living, especially when it comes to online gaming.

Certain game titles that you can purchase from supermarkets and games shops for example, have age-ratings and if you want to purchase them, you need to provide proof of your age. With online games, though, there are no enforced age-ratings and restrictions, and that is what experts want to change.

Experts are calling for legally enforceable age-rating systems to help ensure that children aren’t accidentally or intentionally, spending their parents’ money, or their own for that matter through the various places to bet online.

Clearer warnings

Another potential new regulation would be for online games to have explicit warnings that ‘in-game spending’ is involved with certain titles.

This would help to ensure that parents are fully aware that online games do indeed have in-game spending which would then ensure that they took necessary measures to help prevent their children spending money without asking, even if it simply means a firm talking to beforehand.

Digital citizenship programs

Another suggestion is that schools and places of education hold digital citizenship classes which would basically help to teach children about the potential dangers associated with online gaming, as well as helping to teach them how to conduct themselves online.

Experts are calling for more education with regards to the potential risks and dangers associated with online gaming, and so far, this looks like a very strong possibly. This is especially true due to the fact that in-school workshops on this very subject, are now being run up and down the country.

Detailed spending tracking

Finally, another possibility would be for games to include a detailed report which would track exactly how much players have spent (if anything) and on what. On top of that, people are calling for a maximum daily spend limit, which would help to provide parents with peace of mind.