Dorchester headteacher and national digital learning expert Mr Gary Spracklen is reminding parents and carers of the rewards and risks associated with online video games ahead of International Safer Internet Day on Tuesday, February 9.

In his letter to parents and carers of pupils at The Prince of Wales School, Mr Spracklen highlighted how "playing age-appropriate computer games may have real-world benefits for hand-eye coordination and sensorimotor skills" while also recognising that "the audio chat feature within age-appropriate computer games, when used properly as a form of coordination, can also teach communication skills".

As well as exploring the rewards, Mr Spracklen also highlighted the risks, turning his attention to the hugely popular Fortnite video game, which has an estimated 350 million players globally.

He said: "Beyond the gameplay, it's important to note that, as with most PEGI ratings, Fortnite's PEGI rating - age 12+ - does not cover online interactions. That means children may be exposed to toxic behaviour, swearing, and other negative influences when communicating through the platform.

"More than just bad influences, though, this sort of open online communication with strangers may put children at risk of being targeted by online predators, who can manipulate children into giving up personal information.

"This isn't unique to Fortnite, a similar phenomenon can be found in Minecraft, another multiplayer game that is widely popular among children. Minecraft is a wonderful game that contains minimal violence and even allows children to express their creativity, but toxic interactions with online strangers can sour the experience."

Mr Spracklen recommended parents and carers wishing to explore the world of online gaming with their children keep these two top tips in mind:

1. Try the game with your children

Exploring content with your children can show you what the game is all about and help you identify boundaries that should be enforced.

Familiarise yourself with the parental settings and test them out yourself before letting your children loose.

1. Teach them about managing their online presence

Long before your child should be allowed to play online games, you should already have given them 'the talk' about the internet - how they shouldn't give out personal information and how they should avoid even visiting sites that ask for such information in exchange for rewards.

Parents and carers wanting to find out more about how they can keep their children safe when using technology can visit thinkuknow.co.uk

You can submit your own news straight to Dorchester Nub News by using the 'Nub It' button on our home page. This can also be done for events on our What's On page and businesses, groups and organisations on our Local Listings page , also by using the 'Nub It' button.

Please like and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us @DorchesterNubNews on Facebook and @DorchesterNub Twitter.