Entertainment
Smart Gaming: How Parents Can Keep Kids Safe Online
Parents can enhance kids’ safety during online gaming by using privacy settings, researching games, enabling age checks, keeping personal information private, and utilizing parental controls and security tools.
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.
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
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Consumer Corner
LUMISTAR Draws Record Crowds at CES 2026 With AI Tennis and Basketball Training Systems
LUMISTAR’s CES 2026 debut showcased TERO and CARRY, innovative AI sports training systems that engage athletes actively. The systems allow real-time adaptations, transforming training into competitive practice while effectively utilizing performance data for measurable skill development. Pre-orders start March 2026.
LUMISTAR wrapped up its CES 2026 debut in Las Vegas with record-level attention, as live demos of its AI-powered sports training systems consistently drew full crowds throughout the show, according to the company.
The sports-focused AI brand showcased TERO, its AI tennis training system, and CARRY, its AI basketball training system—both described by attendees as “game changers” for how training can be delivered, measured, and scaled.
Why the Booth Stayed Packed
Across multiple days of hands-on demonstrations, LUMISTAR’s booth became a focal point for athletes, coaches, club operators, and sports technology professionals. Visitors repeatedly pointed to one key difference: the systems don’t just record results—they actively participate in training.
That’s a major break from the standard model in sports tech, where:
- traditional ball machines run pre-set drills, and
- wearables/video tools analyze performance after a session ends.
Training That Adapts in Real Time
LUMISTAR says both TERO and CARRY combine real-time computer vision, adaptive decision-making, and on-court execution to respond instantly to athlete behavior—adjusting difficulty, tempo, and training logic shot by shot.
Attendees noted that this turns practice from repetition into something closer to competition—an evolving back-and-forth between athlete and system.
“This is not an incremental improvement—it’s a complete rethink of what training equipment should do,” one professional coach attending CES said in the release. “For the first time, the machine is reacting to the athlete, not the other way around.”
From Data Collection to Action
Another standout point from CES feedback: the platform’s focus on turning performance data into immediate training outcomes.
LUMISTAR’s approach emphasizes:
- continuous data retention across sessions
- real-time performance interpretation
- clear visualization of progress and training efficiency
Coaches and athletes highlighted that this could reduce wasted training time and accelerate skill development by making each session measurable and comparable.
What’s Next: Pre-Orders and Kickstarter
LUMISTAR outlined a 2026 rollout plan following CES:
- TERO opens for pre-orders in March 2026, with full market availability beginning May 2026
- CARRY launches via Kickstarter in Q2 2026
- The company will continue private demonstrations and pilot programs with select training institutions worldwide ahead of commercial release
More information is available at https://www.lumistar.ai.
Source: PRNewswire press release from LUMISTAR (Jan. 11, 2026)
STM Daily News is tracking the biggest CES 2026 stories shaping entertainment, culture, and the tech that’s changing how we watch, play, train, and live—bringing you quick-hit updates, standout product debuts, and follow-up coverage as launches roll out in 2026. https://stmdailynews.com/entertainment/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Consumer Corner
UOG Wins Three CES 2026 Awards for Black Diamond Carbon & Nano Silver Wellness Wearables
At CES 2026, United One Group Healthcare (UOG) highlighted wellness wearables, winning three significant awards for its innovative products, including the UOG 5-in-All Wellness Band and Socks. These recognition honors emphasize practical consumer value and meaningful innovation, marking UOG as a leader in non-invasive wellness technology.
Last Updated on January 20, 2026 by Daily News Staff
LAS VEGAS — CES is usually where the flashiest screens, fastest chips, and wildest concept gadgets steal the spotlight. But this year, wellness wearables made a serious push into the conversation—and United One Group Healthcare (UOG) walked away with some of the show’s biggest editorial wins.
United One Group (UOG), the developer behind what it calls the world’s first Black Diamond Carbon & Nano Silver fusion wellness technology, announced it earned three major industry awards at CES 2026—plus an on-floor boost when a CES official spokesperson publicly highlighted UOG’s featured productsduring the event.
Three CES 2026 Awards for UOG’s 5-in-All Line
According to the company, UOG’s wearable wellness products received:
- Two TWICE Picks Awards for
- UOG 5-in-All Wellness Foot Pain Relief Socks
- UOG 5-in-All Wellness Band
- One TechRadar Pro Picks Award for
- UOG 5-in-All Wellness Band
That kind of cross-recognition matters at CES, where editorial awards are often split across categories and audiences. UOG’s haul places it among a smaller group of wellness-focused brands to earn multiple editorial honors—including wins from both TWICE (a key consumer electronics and retail publication in the U.S.) and TechRadar Pro (a global tech and professional solutions outlet).
Why These Awards Carry Weight
Both award programs are editor-selected, not paid placements, which is a big deal in a show environment packed with marketing noise.
- TWICE Picks Awards spotlight products that show market readiness, performance, and practical consumer value.
- TechRadar Pro Picks Awards focus on meaningful innovation, usability, and real-world impact.
In other words: these wins aren’t about the loudest booth—they’re about products editors believe people will actually use.
What UOG Showed Off at CES 2026
UOG’s CES lineup centers on non-invasive, wearable wellness gear that integrates its proprietary Black Diamond Carbon & Nano Silver nanotechnology. The company says the material is designed to support microcirculation, activate the body’s natural electrical pathways, and encourage recovery—without electronics or medication.
Here’s a quick look at the featured products:
1) UOG 5-in-All Wellness Band (Award Winner)
The 5-in-All Wellness Band was the standout, earning recognition from both TWICE and TechRadar Pro. UOG describes it as a soft, flexible, one-size wearable designed to support:
- deeper sleep
- headache relief and reduced cranial tension
- neck and shoulder relaxation
- stress reduction through parasympathetic nervous system support
UOG positions it for people dealing with insomnia, migraines, eye fatigue, frequent travel, and high-stress routines.
2) UOG 5-in-All Wellness Foot Pain Relief & Diabetic Support Socks (Award Winner)
Also a TWICE Picks Awards winner, these socks are aimed at relief for:
- plantar fasciitis
- neuropathy
- swelling
- chronic foot fatigue
The company says the design includes a three-zone arch system and targeted cushioning to support circulation and nerve function—especially for people managing diabetes or circulation issues.
3) Performance Sports Socks, Knee Sleeves, and Arm Sleeves
UOG also featured additional recovery-focused wearables, including:
- Performance Sports Socks for circulation support, fatigue reduction, and daily recovery
- Knee Sleeves engineered for joint stabilization and compression-based comfort
- Arm Sleeves designed to support endurance, flexibility, and reduced arm/elbow fatigue
The common thread: UOG’s nanotech material paired with compression and ergonomic design, aimed at everyday users as much as athletes.
What’s Next for UOG After CES
UOG says its long-term mission is to merge advanced nanotechnology with accessible wellness solutions—and it plans to expand into next-generation recovery wear, biosensor-integrated systems, and AI-driven wellness platforms.
At a show where “the future” often means bigger, brighter, and faster, UOG’s CES moment points to a different direction: wellness tech that’s wearable, practical, and built around daily life.
UOG at CES 2026
UOG exhibited at Booth #56227 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, offering live demos, performance testing, and product trials throughout the show.
More info about UOG at CES 2026
- PRNewswire: UOG Wins Three Industry Awards at CES 2026
- CES Exhibitor Listing: United One (Group) America Inc (CES 2026)
- United One Group Healthcare (UOG) Official Website
- Yahoo Finance: UOG Unveils Next-Gen Recovery Wearables at CES 2026
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Entertainment
NIOSA 2026 Locks In Dates, Ticket Deals, and La Villita Layout Changes Ahead of Fiesta San Antonio
NIOSA 2026: “A Night in Old San Antonio” (NIOSA) will take place from April 21-24, 2026, in La Villita. The festival maintains its 14 cultural areas with food, music, and entertainment while slightly adjusting some layouts. Discounted tickets are available, supporting historic preservation efforts.
NIOSA 2026 Locks In Dates, Ticket Deals, and La Villita Layout Changes Ahead of Fiesta San Antonio
“A Night in Old San Antonio” (NIOSA) is already in full build mode for 2026, and for longtime Fiesta fans, the headline is simple: the experience is staying familiar—just with a few on-the-ground tweaks.
NIOSA, the four-night festival known for turning La Villita Historic Arts Village into a packed, music-filled maze of cultural neighborhoods, will run April 21–24, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. nightly, during Fiesta San Antonio. The event remains centered in La Villita, in the heart of downtown San Antonio, with organizers confirming that all 2025 areas will return—though some entertainment and dining areas will be moved around within the roughly five-acre footprint.
A Fiesta favorite with a preservation purpose
Celebrating its 78th presentation in 2026, NIOSA is more than a marquee Fiesta party. Organizers describe it as the top fundraiser for historic preservation in the United States, operating under the motto “A Celebration for Preservation.”
NIOSA is produced by and benefits The Conservation Society of San Antonio, one of the nation’s oldest historic preservation organizations, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2024. Proceeds support the Society’s work preserving historic properties and parks, along with education and advocacy efforts that include scholarships, grants, and funding support for research and restoration projects.
According to the release, NIOSA provides the Society over $1 million annually on average, helping fund preservation seminars, scholarships, a resource library, and house museums. The event also invests heavily back into the community through local suppliers and operational costs tied to hosting the festival in La Villita.
The 14 areas that make NIOSA feel like its own city
The core of NIOSA’s draw is its immersive layout: 14 cultural areas filled with food, music, décor, and continuous entertainment. The press release highlights the festival’s mix of atmosphere booths, entertainment stages, decorations, souvenirs, and an all-hands volunteer effort that brings the village to life each night.
The 14 areas include:
- The Mission Trail, celebrating early San Antonio history with colorful mission-inspired façades
- Arneson Theatre, set along the River Walk with an amphitheater built in 1941
- China Town, featuring Asian flavors
- French Quarter, where beignets share the menu with escargot
- Frontier Town, bringing the old west to life (and home to the famous Shypoke Eggs)
- Irish Flat, known for favorites like Potato Skins
- Haymarket, featuring Tejano sounds and handmade Maria’s Tortillas
- Clown Alley, built for nostalgic fun
- Froggy Bottom, where the music rocks while fans line up for Chicken on a Stick
- Main Street USA, where it’s always the 4th of July
- Mexican Market, featuring popular Anticuchos beef kabob
- Sauerkraut Bend, serving sizzling sausage with a German Oompa band
- South of the Border, with Northern Mexico-influenced cuisine like Pollo Rancho
- Villa España, surrounded by colorful Spanish murals
Organizers note that while some areas will shift locations within La Villita, every area from 2025 will still exist in 2026—meaning the festival’s “choose-your-own-adventure” feel should remain intact, even if your usual route through the grounds changes.
What’s staying the same (for the better)
NIOSA’s message for 2026 is that the fan favorites aren’t going anywhere.
The festival will again serve a long list of staples, including Mr. Chicken, Maria’s Tortillas, Anticuchos, German sausage, Bongo-K-Bobs, Shypoke Eggs, Beignets, Fried Mushrooms, Yak-i-Tori, Steer on a Stick, Gorditas, and Fajitas de Pollo. Organizers also say NIOSA’s favorite entertainers will return nightly for continuous entertainment, and popular souvenirs will be back, including 2026 NIOSA medalsand the event’s collectible beer cups.
A private medal unveiling ceremony is planned for late January, open to media.
NIOSA also emphasizes that it operates rain or shine, with no refunds on tickets.
Tickets: early discounts and member pricing
For those planning ahead, NIOSA is pushing early ticket savings now.
- Discount tickets are on sale for $17 through January 4, 2026.
- Those tickets are valid for any night of NIOSA 2026.
- Tickets are sold online at: https://niosa2023.ticketspice.com/a-night-in-old-san-antonio-2026
Families should also note: Children 12 and under are admitted free with a paying adult.
The release also points to the best discounted option for regular attendees: joining The Conservation Society of San Antonio by the end of March 2026. Discounted member tickets are listed at $15 per person, with the added benefit of supporting the preservation mission behind the festival.
Powered by volunteers, built for community
NIOSA’s scale is massive—and it runs on volunteer power. The release states that the entire event, including food booths, is operated by an “army” of 10,000 volunteers, with many booths staffed by second- and third-generation families. Volunteers travel from across the country to participate.
The 2026 NIOSA Chair is Julie Terrill, supported by Vice Chairs Monica Reyes, Anita Gonzalez, Lisa Pierce, and Abbi Power, with DeAnna Keesee serving as Treasurer.
The bottom line
NIOSA 2026 is set for April 21–24 at La Villita, keeping its signature mix of cultural areas, live entertainment, and iconic Fiesta food—while shifting a few dining and entertainment zones around the grounds. Early-bird tickets are already available, and organizers are positioning membership as the best way to save while backing San Antonio preservation efforts.
For more information, visit https://www.niosa.org/ or follow NIOSA on Facebook and Instagram.
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
