Share with Care
Interland:
Mindful Mountain
The mountainous town center of Interland is a place where everyone mingles and crosses paths. But you must be very intentional about what you share and with whom. Information travels at the speed of light, and there’s an oversharer among the Internauts you know.
Discussion topics
After children have explored Mindful Mountain, these questions will encourage discussion of the game’s themes.
- Of all the posts you shared in the game, which type do you think you would share most often in real life? Why?
- Describe a time when you may have accidentally shared something that you shouldn’t have.
- Why do you think the character in Mindful Mountain is called an oversharer?
- Describe the oversharer’s character and how their actions affect the game.
- Did playing Mindful Mountain change the way you’ll think about sharing with others online in the future?
- Name one thing youʼll do differently after joining in these thematics and playing the game.
- What is one example of a possible negative consequence from sharing something with the public instead of just your friends?
- What steps can you take if you accidentally share something personal? What about if someone accidentally shares something too personal with you?
One of your most important jobs as a parent is to raise your children as responsible and independent internet users. To do that, they need your help. Sit with your kids when they go on the internet, help them find their way online and show them how to deal with things they feel uncomfortable with. Look for appropriate material and help your child make a choice in the enormous offer. Find out what the age ratings of games, movies and the like are. Agree with your child to talk to you when he/she encounters something strange or inappropriate on the screen.
When they get older and more sociable, keep an eye on who your children chat and play games with. Are they friends or strangers? You are supposed to guide them, not catch them when they do something wrong. If your children think you're spying on them, they will be less inclined to talk to you when things go wrong.
Many current apps and online games offer extra services – sometimes you need them to get to the next level in the game – which you can buy with real money. It is important your children know this and realise full well they are spending actual money.
In-app purchases on your device can be restricted as follows:
On your Android-device open the Google Play Store-app, tap Menu > Settings and enable Require authentication for purchases.
On your iPhone or iPad go to Settings > General > Restriction and disable In-app purchases.