Safe Online Gaming for Tweens with Net Jet
Posted by Neena on 05/14/07 in Technology
My kids love to use the computer. They constantly ask to visit “cool” websites that their friends have recommended. Online gaming is fun and they want to get in on the action.
However, I do not have the time to preview all of the sites they want to visit. What is a parent to do?
The answer arrived via email. Tiger Electronics, a division of Hasbro, Inc., has developed a safe, online gaming system for tweens called Net Jet. Given my past concerns over online safety for kids, the company wanted to know how I felt about their new system. So they let me try it for free.
The Net Jet is basically a game controller that plugs right into the USB port of your Windows computer and a key (sold separately) that contains a feature game and 3 “choice” games.
When you plug the Net Jet controller into your computer you are immediately connected to a closed system or a gated environment, so to speak. For a parent this means that as long as the controller is connected, your child is playing on the computer in a secure environment. He/she cannot leave the site and no one can bother him/her while on the site. There are no pop ups and no ads.
The games themselves are engaging and fun. I tried out Mission: Paintball and Kool Kart Racers. Other interesting titles include Super Soaker Water Fight and Sponge Bob Square Pants - Sponge Bob’s Pizza Toss. Each feature game key also allows you to choose 3 choice games from a list of about 30 choice games. So each game key really contains 4 games to keep your child occupied.
Set up is easy as long as your computer meets the minimum technical requirements. A broadband internet connection is also recommended. Net Jet does not work on Mac.
Net Jet is the right answer to my online gaming concerns! I give the children a limited amount of computer time. Net Jet gives the kids the satisfaction of using the computer and gives me peace of mind knowing that they are in a safe online environment.
Net Jet is currently available through Hasbro Toy Shop. The controller is $24.99 - it comes with a demo key that allows 15 minutes of play on each available feature game. Each game key is $14.99 and contains unlimited game play for the specified feature game and 3 choice games.
The Net Jet system will be available from main stream retailers by mid-August.
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Catch Up Lady | May 14, 2007 | Reply
NetJet sounds like a great solution to a lot of parents problems. It’s really scary how fast innocent gaming or social networking can get out of control if parents aren’t paying attention. I was amazed to learn of some of the networking features built into Playstation games, etc.
Have you heard of NetSmartz411? It’s one of my favorite online safety resources, lots of good info there. What online safety sites do you frequent or recommend - seems like something you’re up on!
Neena | May 15, 2007 | Reply
There seems to be a lot of good info for parents at NetSmartz411.org. I plan to look into it further. I have previously posted about an organization called http://www.teenangels.org. There is also a lot of internet safety information on that site. Thanks for the comment!
Pam | May 15, 2007 | Reply
great information. The kids think these games are safe because they are “games”. Net Jet and Netsmatz411 are a relief in this fast paced environment.
Thanks
Neena | May 15, 2007 | Reply
It is hard to keep up with all the new sites for kids out there. You are right, Net Jet gives parents an alternative that we can be comfortable with.
Catch Up Lady | May 17, 2007 | Reply
Oh glad you guys liked it! My favorite part about NetSmartz411 is that you can send in your own questions if you can’t find the answer on the site. Should help a lot of people with more specific questions.
Thanks for the other site recommendations Neena, I’ll be sure to check them out.