Last Updated on January 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Smart Gaming: How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe Online

(Family Features) Playing video games can be a fun, social experience. However, online gaming also poses real risks, especially for kids. As a parent, you don’t necessarily need to be a gamer yourself to help keep your children safe when the controller is in their hands.

Consider taking proactive steps like these to create a healthy online gaming environment for kids of all ages.

Check System Privacy Settings
As a first line of defense – before your child even starts gaming – spend some time in the device or console privacy settings. Here you can turn off sharing, disable location tracking, limit microphone and camera access and restrict how other users can interact with your child’s profile. Similarly, many games and platforms include built-in privacy settings that can be tailored to your child’s age and online experience. These settings may allow you to limit who can view your child’s profile or send a friend request, message or voice chat.

Research Games
Because not all games are created equal, look up game ratings through a service such as ESRB before buying or downloading to understand the maturity level of the game and determine if it’s appropriate for your child. To take it a step further, read reviews from other parents or watch gameplay videos to see if you deem not only the content but also the social interaction acceptable.

Use Facial Age Estimation
Online platforms are increasingly looking for ways to keep users safe, and that includes added levels of verification. As part of a multilayered approach to safety, Roblox is the first online gaming platform to require age checks for users of all ages to access chat features, enabling age-appropriate communication and limiting conversations between adults and minors. These secure age checks are designed to be fast, easy and secure using Facial Age Estimation technology directly within the app.

“Our commitment to safety is rooted in delivering the highest level of protection for our users,” said Matt Kaufman, chief safety officer at Roblox. “By building proactive, age-based barriers, we can empower users to create and connect in ways that are both safe and appropriate.”

Once age-checked, users are assigned to one of six age groups: under 9, 9-12, 13-15, 16-17, 18-20 or 21 and older, ensuring conversations are safe and age appropriate. Age checks are optional; however, features like chat will not be accessible unless an age check is completed. Chat is also turned off by default for children under age 9, unless a parent provides consent after an age check.

Keep Personal Information Private
It’s seldom a bad idea to be extra cautious when interacting with strangers online, even if they seem friendly enough while playing the game. Teach children what information not to share, including their full name, address, birthday, school name, phone number, email address, passwords or any photos that may contain any personal information (like a house number or school logo) in the background. Also encourage a screen name and generic avatar for added privacy.

Turn on Parental Controls
Designed to allow parents a supervisory role in their child’s online gaming experience, parental controls on many platforms include the ability to set schedules and limit playtime, restrict access to certain content or social features, require a password for purchases or set a spending limit.

Avoid Clicking Unfamiliar Links
Player profiles and in-game chats may include links to external sites, including those promising rewards or cheat codes. Because they can be used to gain access to personal information, remind your children to ask an adult before clicking any unfamiliar links while gaming so they can be verified as trustworthy.

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Employ Privacy and Security Tools
While system or console-specific settings allow parents to set content restrictions, approve downloads, manage friends lists and more, additional layers of security are sometimes necessary. Extra safeguards such as antivirus and internet security software, DNS (domain name system) filtering and two-factor authentication can also be enabled to help keep kids safe online.

For more tools to help parents make informed decisions and support their children’s gaming experience, visit corp.roblox.com/safety.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (father and daughter playing video game)

SOURCE:
Roblox

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Last Updated on December 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Play and Create
Interactive Shorts

Premium TCG accessory maker brings iconic Magic imagery to protective sleeves and gaming gear

Dragon Shield, the go-to name in trading card game protection, just leveled up. The Denmark-based company announced a major licensing deal with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast to produce official MAGIC: THE GATHERING accessories, bringing decades of iconic game art to their premium product line.

For Magic players who’ve trusted Dragon Shield sleeves to protect their valuable cards, this collaboration means something special: official artwork featuring the legendary creatures and landscapes that define the game’s rich history.

Two New Series Honor Magic’s Legacy

The partnership launches with two distinct product lines that tap into what makes Magic legendary:

The Legendary Series kicks off with The Ur-Dragon, one of Magic’s most beloved legendary creatures. These Dual Matte Art sleeves celebrate the powerful characters that have captivated players since the game’s inception. It’s a fitting tribute to the timeless imagination that keeps millions shuffling up each week.

The Landfall Series takes inspiration from Magic’s foundation—literally. The debut features all five Tarkir: Dragonstorm fetch lands in their showcase forms. For players who know that lands aren’t just mana sources but works of art in their own right, this series delivers both beauty and gameplay significance.

When and Where to Get Them

Magic fans attending MagicCon: Atlanta will get first access to these new products, including an exclusive “Dracogenesis” sleeve featuring artwork from the Tarkir Dragonstorm set—chosen specifically to symbolize this new partnership.

Worldwide retail availability is set for late 2025, giving players everywhere the chance to sleeve up with official Magic artwork.

What the Partnership Means

“Working with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast marks an exciting new chapter for Dragon Shield,” said Kevin Isaacson, Dragon Shield’s CEO. “MAGIC: THE GATHERING has inspired players for decades, and this collaboration allows us to bring our passion for quality and design to a game and community we deeply admire.”

Rebecca Shepard, Vice President of Franchise for MAGIC: THE GATHERING at Wizards of the Coast, emphasized the natural fit: “Dragon Shield is a trusted name among fans, and this collaboration ensures players can protect the game they love with accessories that celebrate the stories, legends, and artistry that make MAGIC legendary.”

Why This Matters for Players

Dragon Shield has built its reputation on durability and design—sleeves that actually last through countless shuffles and gameplay sessions. Now that quality meets official Magic artwork, from the most iconic legendary creatures to the lands that fuel every strategy.

Whether you’re protecting a Commander deck built around The Ur-Dragon or keeping your fetch lands pristine, these new accessories blend practical protection with the visual storytelling that makes Magic more than just a card game.

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For the millions of Magic players worldwide, this partnership represents something simple but significant: the accessories that protect your cards can now reflect the game’s legendary status.

Learn more at dragonshield.com or follow the latest updates on Instagram.

What’s your take on the new Dragon Shield × Magic collaboration? Will you be picking up The Ur-Dragon sleeves or waiting for the Landfall Series? The blend of premium protection and iconic Magic art seems like a natural evolution for both brands.

SOURCE Dragon Shield

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