I don't want to come off on the wrong side of things but, Its up to the person who ever is hosting the map/server to be the judge of who's playing either it be from the PC or Xbox. If they don't want a young player on the server what ever the reason is they have the right to boot/ban that player. As for an example the server i play on the PC totally different from the Xbox version but we don't want anyone younger then 18 the reason for that the server owner does not want to have to deal with angry parents or have to deal with poor behavior from the other players such as swearing and doesn't want to be responsible for any one younger then the age of 18. How ever that being said if there is not legitimate reason for banning or booting a player or denied access to the server or map for an age limit i agree it is a poor act on the person hosting it and could be classed as bullying.
Well, I'm 13, about your sons age. Ican understand the pain he feels, but it really seems like he didn't explain to you everything that happened in depth... Maybe ask him to tell you a little more about it? For example, what we was doing before he was kicked. Maybe ask if he knew the people he was playing with in real life, and if not, see to it (or try to) that he does. In my opinion, the best approach would of coarse be a kind, gentle one, but you already know this.
If you can get this information from him, it might help you to solve the problem more effectively. If he really started the game, and you know this, explain that he should only let people into his game that he trusts and really knows. Is it possible that your son GAVE the person who kicked him out the power to do so?
Know what your kids feeling. my friends are mean. Though it may be if his friends are "Horsing around". I believe messing around and playing is very common in a 6th grader. especially through the safety of the internet.
"oh no someone isn't treating my son like the special snowflake he is! he'll be scarred for life! call the cyber police, because this is some serious cyber-bullying!"
i hate my generation
why can't science hurry up and invent time machines so i can go live in 1977 and be happy
"Call the cyber police, because this is some serious cyber-bullying!" Made my day.
Physicists are creating a Holodeck where you can walk around and interact with 3d Virtually projected things (So anti-social) no need for time machines or human interaction! http://www.teleprese...deck_in_10_yea/
Okay, so you say that he was kicked out for no reason. This does not happen. There are many people who can be kicked out of games for things such as killing people, destroying their creations, and robbing them. I get the feeling that he is not being completely honest with you about what he did. You can defend him all you want, but he was not kicked out for no reason. And if it really makes him sad enough for you to have to post about it, I feel bad for him. He needs to get a life. A video game should not be able to affect someone's mood in such a way. Try having him play a sport.
Well, as I've said to other people, you're entitled to your opinion, and I'll stick to my assessment of the situation. And just so you know, he plays baseball and is a red belt in tae kwon do, so in fact he does have a life. Thanks for your concern.
I don't want to come off on the wrong side of things but, Its up to the person who ever is hosting the map/server to be the judge of who's playing either it be from the PC or Xbox. If they don't want a young player on the server what ever the reason is they have the right to boot/ban that player. As for an example the server i play on the PC totally different from the Xbox version but we don't want anyone younger then 18 the reason for that the server owner does not want to have to deal with angry parents or have to deal with poor behavior from the other players such as swearing and doesn't want to be responsible for any one younger then the age of 18. How ever that being said if there is not legitimate reason for banning or booting a player or denied access to the server or map for an age limit i agree it is a poor act on the person hosting it and could be classed as bullying.
Hi there,
No worries, your comments are perfectly reasonable. In this case, he was only playing with other 12 year olds though, so that wasn't a factor....and it was a "late arrival" to the game who kicked him out.
Install something so nothing happens unless you host it locally(like a cheatguard but kickguard unless the host has allowed it so you control it) or give those disgusting "popular" snobby brats a taste of their own medicine and write down their name so next time you could kick and put "Jerk who kicks the host, hacker" and then maybe report them? To Internet Police or whatever for a reason like cyberbullying which is just the stupidest thing since internet is practically unstoppable unless you could crash everything that ever existed(dont do it or you will lose it all like sites) Good luck on ip-banning those pooplosers
Well, I'm 13, about your sons age. Ican understand the pain he feels, but it really seems like he didn't explain to you everything that happened in depth... Maybe ask him to tell you a little more about it? For example, what we was doing before he was kicked. Maybe ask if he knew the people he was playing with in real life, and if not, see to it (or try to) that he does. In my opinion, the best approach would of coarse be a kind, gentle one, but you already know this.
If you can get this information from him, it might help you to solve the problem more effectively. If he really started the game, and you know this, explain that he should only let people into his game that he trusts and really knows. Is it possible that your son GAVE the person who kicked him out the power to do so?
Hi there,
Thanks for your comments. In fact he was playing with only some of his classmates -- boys not only he knows, but I know. Also, we did talk about it, and there was nothing he was doing any differently before these other boys joined the game, and no, he didn't authorize anyone to use that option. Given that, together with your suggestions and those of other posters, we're really going to focus on making sure he's only playing with kids who are not going to abuse that feature. It'll likely be a lot of trial and error, and/or perhaps involve getting back to the PC version and a truly family-friendly server.
I appreciate your insight though, from the perspective of someone roughly my son's age.
Know what your kids feeling. my friends are huge douches. Though it may be if his friends are "Horsing around". I believe messing around and playing is very common in a 6th grader. especially through the safety of the internet.
Physicists are creating a Holodeck where you can walk around and interact with 3d Virtually projected things (So anti-social) http://www.teleprese...deck_in_10_yea/
Hm, interesting perspective. I'll ask him in the morning what his thoughts are on that...thanks.
Install something so nothing happens unless you host it locally(like a cheatguard but kickguard unless the host has allowed it so you control it) or give those disgusting "popular" snobby brats a taste of their own medicine and write down their name so next time you could kick and put "Jerk who kicks the host, hacker" and then maybe report them? To Internet Police or whatever for a reason like cyberbullying which is just the stupidest thing since internet is practically unstoppable unless you could crash everything that ever existed(dont do it or you will lose it all like sites) Good luck on ip-banning those pooplosers
I'll tell you, this thread has been an educational process for me for sure. I like the idea of that cheatguard/kickguard...though is that something that you can use on the Xbox? (vs. the PC version...)
As for getting back at the "brats", in my "fantasy mother lion mode" I'd like nothing better....but in reality, it wouldn't solve anything and would set a bad example, so I'll likely take a pass on your generous and ingenious suggestions ..
I don't know much about the xbox version of minecraft but from what I gather, the creator of a world can't be kicked from his own world. So why don't you get your son to setup his own world, put a little effort into getting it started and then invite the kids he was originally playing with before the 'late-comers' kicked him?
That way it wouldn't be possible for him to be kicked and worse case scenario everyone just leaves. Because by the sounds of what you posted, the original kids he was playing with, enjoyed playing with him and just felt pressured by the 'late-comers' to kick him. That way his friends wont have to choose between your son and the 'late-comers' because they will be playing on different worlds.
This way your son will be in charge of the "server" and be the one who decides who is kicked. His old friends could join his world and, if your son is gracious, he could allow those same 'late-comers' to join his world if they'd like. And in the case they start causing trouble, your son could kick them.
The only real downside I see to this idea, is that it could be a bit upsetting for him if no one joins. So maybe get him to ask 2 or 3 of his friends if they'd join his minecraft world before he starts building it up.
''Nothing is going to be done agaisnt bullying on the internet'' (Not your actual quote)
I see that quite often.
I can safely say that the internet have no borders hence, no laws.
Nothing can be done and contacting Notch, the maker of the game, won't do anything.
The internet is anonymous and this is why a lot of people love acting stupid.
The internet is like forcing a 18 years old person to play with a 10 years old one, he won't appreciate it and will most likely just ignore the younger person.
I personnally believe in introducing a children to video games around 8-9 years old, introducing them to the internet around 14-15 years old. That way you will most likely go around most virtual bullying and negative impact it could have on your child since he will have a mind able to just ignore it and understand that people are cruel and on the internet, you have contact with the entire world after all.
Russians, Canadians, Americans, Frenchs, Chineses.
Childrens under 14 are unable most of the time to understand that bullying on the internet is inpersonnal and shouldnt be taken seriously. They also can't or barely understand they are not dealing with people from their towns or country only but with people from everywhere and people over 18 years old who don't neccesary have the same way of thinking or living than them. Also the older players or ''internauts'' are fully grown persons who don't want to deal with childish or immature youngsters in a lot of cases.
This is why I think parents should prepare their childrens to the internet and it's entire culture before letting them use it.
Anyway that is simply my opinion. Have a nice day/night to you.
Anyway, on topic, I'm really not sure of what the point of this thread is. Kids have a massive ego if they are left to their own devices on games or the Internet and you can't really do anything about it.
Why not just have him play single player or with some friends. Or, how about you actually monitor his online activity? I mean you are his parent and if you are so concerned about him getting hurt over the Internet I suggest you cut it off all together because no amount of anything will stop mean people from being mean.
tl;dr the problem will not go away ever so avoid it or live with it
Hi,
While I appreciate your supposition that we either "avoid it or live with it", I don't believe it's such a black-and-white matter. I had some concerns about an experience my son was having...vented/posted about it...and have received a lot of feedback which will allow him to be more comfortable in a Minecraft environment (be it the Xbox or PC versions). Soliciting those sorts of responses was the primary "point" of the thread.
Additionally, I do monitor his activity; that's how I knew what was happening.
Mister... Most of people playing on Multi are young and not mature. That's why I don't play Multi. And I don't let my son do it, unless it's a server that I personally checked before. I know what most of you will say, but it's hard for a kid (whatever age, mine is just 6) to be bullied like that. I honestly agree with the threat author. I feel you, but there's nothing we can do. Apart from parental control - which can be very difficult sometimes...
That's it.
Hi there,
From what I'm gathering, if he's able to develop his own server and invite only his friends (on the PC version), it sounds like hell be able to play multi-player and not be bothered by the "bullies". . If he does want to continue on the Xbox version, on-going monotiring will definitely be in order.
Also, not sure why everyone is supposing I'm the Dad (or as you suggested "mister" ), especially since I made note of it in my initial post...but I'm actually the Mom .
I don't know much about the xbox version of minecraft but from what I gather, the creator of a world can't be kicked from his own world. So why don't you get your son to setup his own world, put a little effort into getting it started and then invite the kids he was originally playing with before the 'late-comers' kicked him?
That way it wouldn't be possible for him to be kicked and worse case scenario everyone just leaves. Because by the sounds of what you posted, the original kids he was playing with, enjoyed playing with him and just felt pressured by the 'late-comers' to kick him. That way his friends wont have to choose between your son and the 'late-comers' because they will be playing on different worlds.
This way your son will be in charge of the "server" and be the one who decides who is kicked. His old friends could join his world and, if your son is gracious, he could allow those same 'late-comers' to join his world if they'd like. And in the case they start causing trouble, your son could kick them.
The only real downside I see to this idea, is that it could be a bit upsetting for him if no one joins. So maybe get him to ask 2 or 3 of his friends if they'd join his minecraft world before he starts building it up.
This is the same great idea that a few other people have suggested, and one which I've spoken to him about. He seems eager to set it up, and already has a couple of his initial core of friends whom he'll want to have join.
''Nothing is going to be done agaisnt bullying on the internet'' (Not your actual quote)
I see that quite often.
I can safely say that the internet have no borders hence, no laws.
Nothing can be done and contacting Notch, the maker of the game, won't do anything.
The internet is anonymous and this is why a lot of people love acting stupid.
The internet is like forcing a 18 years old person to play with a 10 years old one, he won't appreciate it and will most likely just ignore the younger person.
I personnally believe in introducing a children to video games around 8-9 years old, introducing them to the internet around 14-15 years old. That way you will most likely go around most virtual bullying and negative impact it could have on your child since he will have a mind able to just ignore it and understand that people are cruel and on the internet, you have contact with the entire world after all.
Russians, Canadians, Americans, Frenchs, Chineses.
Childrens under 14 are unable most of the time to understand that bullying on the internet is inpersonnal and shouldnt be taken seriously. They also can't or barely understand they are not dealing with people from their towns or country only but with people from everywhere and people over 18 years old who don't neccesary have the same way of thinking or living than them. Also the older players or ''internauts'' are fully grown persons who don't want to deal with childish or immature youngsters in a lot of cases.
This is why I think parents should prepare their childrens to the internet and it's entire culture before letting them use it.
Anyway that is simply my opinion. Have a nice day/night to you.
Hi there,
I think your points have a lot of validity. Unfortunately, just through school and their academics, kids are introduced to "the internet" at much younger ages than you suggest. Of course, you might be speaking in terms of social networking...
At any rate, in my son's case, the "bullies" were fellow 11 and 12 year old 6th grade classmates of his. Unless he gets involved in a family-friendly server (several have been suggested to me on this thread), I don't anticipate him playing with any older kids...for some of those very reasons you mentioned.
Thank you for your interest, and have a nice evening too.
In the U.K if you are bullied online the police can, will and have in the past prosecuted people for bullying/ malicious behaviour online.
Obviously, not like in the op but bullies from school, people sending nasty messages to sports people etc, have already been prosecuted by it. Obviously it has its limitations, they wont send the police over to.... Malaysia because someone called you a poopy head or something But, yea they are trying to do something.
That aside, OP you have the right idea, just try to ensure he plays with people he knows will play nice and/ or prepare him for a world full of annoying people.
Also, have you considered setting up a server for HIM to run?
Maybe implement yourself as admin too, tell him he needs to check with you before inviting, or banning someone. In case the power becomes a bit much for him and he tries to "get revenge" for having been kicked himself.
But yea, running a server could be a really good experience for him, and if its just for him and a few mates it wont cost much or take much maintenance.
Anyhow, best of luck to you both, bullies are a horrible experience but one most of us encounter most days. Learning to deal with them will be invaluable for him, and you too.
Hello,
I think the UK is on the right track in terms of trying to police the cyber-bullying, but I imagine it's like trying to lasso the wind. I'm pleased that there have been some cases actually prosecuted ( and I do appreciate the distinctions you made between the different degrees )/
You definitely seem to be on the same track of mind as several other posters who have suggested he start his own server. I hadn't thought about involving myself as an Administrator, though it does have it's appeal on a number of levels. At this age he's still "young" enough where I could get away with it!
I won't deny it has been a bit of a challenge, but most everyone here has been both supportive and helpful, yourself included. Thank you very much for your response.
I'm assuming you've bought the game on your son's xbox 360?
Sadly, this is just how the internet in general works. Younger children simply are not welcomed on most multiplayer games (especially if they use microphones) due to the way they behave. I'm not saying your son behaved inappropriately in any way, but the vast majority of preteens on these sorts of games tend to curse and scream to the point that it ruins the game for everyone else.
Since (i'm guessing) he's on the 360, he's probably using his microphone, which is why many players would choose to attempt to kick him immediately.
It's actually a well known joke on the internet that the 360 community is made up entirely of screaming twelve year olds.
EDIT: I've just gone through and read a bit of the thread.
If he was playing with his own friends, then they were probably just being jerks. It's the internet after all, and anyone will be a jerk if they can get away with it. Especially kids. The more they kick him, the funnier it will be to them.
EDIT: I've just finished reading the rest of this thread.
Yes, they were just kids being jerks. Sadly, there's nothing you can do about it on the 360 version. As others have said, switching to PC and starting your own server in which you (the mother) are admin is basically the only way to ensure that your son will not be bothered again, but this doesn't seem like the right choice to me.
Just my opinion here, but doing that seems like it would deprive him of some good life experience. Lots of people are jerks, even if they act nice on the outside. If they can get away with screwing you over, they probably will. If someone bullies you, you'll just have to do something about it. Getting depressed over something small like this isn't going to help him get through life any easier.
So yeah, sorry. Hope you guys get this worked out!
I'm afraid that your child may have stumbled upon the dark side of the internet. I know that your child likely did not do anything wrong, and what he did wrong was likely unintentional. This has happened to me multiple times where I would get kicked for the most ridiculous reasons. (One, for stepping on grass, another for joining the server.) If they don't want to play a game of Minecraft, it's their loss. Let them do what they think is fun, let them suffer for later mistakes in life. Let your kid play with some siblings, some close friends, or try playing a game with him. You can't really contact anyone for this problem, because all server owners (Which really are just kids, likely not very understanding.) have the right to kick players out that they see are breaking some rule. (Which could range from just about destroying the play area, or simply being there) It's not the server that's kicking him, it's the less understanding players of this rather well community, don't let this stop him from doing what he enjoys.
But I told him to play peaceful only, and he listened, which is good.
And it's nor about getting tough and all. They will have time to do that as well, but why through games like Minecraft - something that supposed to be fun?
But you're ruining his fun by making him play on peaceful. Totally destroyed the scare-factor right there. He can't even use a lot of the content because many things require items which can only be gotten from monsters. It's not even violent, when they die they just fall over and poof away as smoke.
Have you ever actually been in the room while this is happening? If you just ask him what he did that day, or look at what he played, you may not be getting the full story. If you son is doing something inappropriate, then people should have the right to make him leave. If he isn't doing anything wrong, then I will say you are taking this too seriously. You can't get worked up about what happens over the internet in a lot of cases, especially in a game, where people can be as mean as they want. I'm 13, BTW, and I laugh at people who kick me out of games because of how immature they are, and know that I would never do those things. If getting kicked out happens EVERY SINGLE TIME he plays, I would suggest not playing multi-player for a while, play single-player, or leave Minecraft alone for awhile and play something else. One last thing. If being kicked out of games is now bullying, I have lost every morsel of hope left for humanity (how will you cope with the real world if you complain about a game?).
Yeah sorry for repeating advice you've already gotten, I admit that I haven't read every post in this thread.
Responding out of order here, but wanted to get back to you. I didn't mean that in a derogatory manner at all ....in fact, as I was writing it, I worried that the tone might not come across correctly. I was actually commending you for the idea (as I had commended the other helpful posters who had a similar suggestion).
Absolutely no worries about reading the whole thread -- it's LONG!
I'm assuming you've bought the game on your son's xbox 360?
Sadly, this is just how the internet in general works. Younger children simply are not welcomed on most multiplayer games (especially if they use microphones) due to the way they behave. I'm not saying your son behaved inappropriately in any way, but the vast majority of preteens on these sorts of games tend to curse and scream to the point that it ruins the game for everyone else.
Since (i'm guessing) he's on the 360, he's probably using his microphone, which is why many players would choose to attempt to kick him immediately.
It's actually a well known joke on the internet that the 360 community is made up entirely of screaming twelve year olds.
EDIT: I've just gone through and read a bit of the thread.
If he was playing with his own friends, then they were probably just being jerks. It's the internet after all, and anyone will be a jerk if they can get away with it. Especially kids. The more they kick him, the funnier it will be to them.
EDIT: I've just finished reading the rest of this thread.
Yes, they were just kids being jerks. Sadly, there's nothing you can do about it on the 360 version. As others have said, switching to PC and starting your own server in which you (the mother) are admin is basically the only way to ensure that your son will not be bothered again, but this doesn't seem like the right choice to me.
Just my opinion here, but doing that seems like it would deprive him of some good life experience. Lots of people are jerks, even if they act nice on the outside. If they can get away with screwing you over, they probably will. If someone bullies you, you'll just have to do something about it. Getting depressed over something small like this isn't going to help him get through life any easier.
So yeah, sorry. Hope you guys get this worked out!
Hi again,
I appreciate your additional comments, and you raise some important points. Yes, it sucks and kids can be brutal...and that's why I wanted to gather some information to help him better handle the situation. Definitely have received some good ideas....which I've shared with him...and he's pretty excited to get back to it.
I'm afraid that your child may have stumbled upon the dark side of the internet. I know that your child likely did not do anything wrong, and what he did wrong was likely unintentional. This has happened to me multiple times where I would get kicked for the most ridiculous reasons. (One, for stepping on grass, another for joining the server.) If they don't want to play a game of Minecraft, it's their loss. Let them do what they think is fun, let them suffer for later mistakes in life. Let your kid play with some siblings, some close friends, or try playing a game with him. You can't really contact anyone for this problem, because all server owners (Which really are just kids, likely not very understanding.) have the right to kick players out that they see are breaking some rule. (Which could range from just about destroying the play area, or simply being there) It's not the server that's kicking him, it's the less understanding players of this rather well community, don't let this stop him from doing what he enjoys.
Hi and thanks for your comments. You touch upon something I've said to him before....that is, "it's their loss". It's been a tough lesson, but as some posters have reminded me, an important one to learn as he navigates his way thru this arena....
If you can get this information from him, it might help you to solve the problem more effectively. If he really started the game, and you know this, explain that he should only let people into his game that he trusts and really knows. Is it possible that your son GAVE the person who kicked him out the power to do so?
"Call the cyber police, because this is some serious cyber-bullying!" Made my day.
Physicists are creating a Holodeck where you can walk around and interact with 3d Virtually projected things (So anti-social) no need for time machines or human interaction!
http://www.teleprese...deck_in_10_yea/
Well, as I've said to other people, you're entitled to your opinion, and I'll stick to my assessment of the situation. And just so you know, he plays baseball and is a red belt in tae kwon do, so in fact he does have a life. Thanks for your concern.
That's partly what is has come down to, true.
Hi there,
No worries, your comments are perfectly reasonable. In this case, he was only playing with other 12 year olds though, so that wasn't a factor....and it was a "late arrival" to the game who kicked him out.
Hi there,
Thanks for your comments. In fact he was playing with only some of his classmates -- boys not only he knows, but I know. Also, we did talk about it, and there was nothing he was doing any differently before these other boys joined the game, and no, he didn't authorize anyone to use that option. Given that, together with your suggestions and those of other posters, we're really going to focus on making sure he's only playing with kids who are not going to abuse that feature. It'll likely be a lot of trial and error, and/or perhaps involve getting back to the PC version and a truly family-friendly server.
I appreciate your insight though, from the perspective of someone roughly my son's age.
Hm, interesting perspective. I'll ask him in the morning what his thoughts are on that...thanks.
I'll tell you, this thread has been an educational process for me for sure. I like the idea of that cheatguard/kickguard...though is that something that you can use on the Xbox? (vs. the PC version...)
As for getting back at the "brats", in my "fantasy mother lion mode" I'd like nothing better....but in reality, it wouldn't solve anything and would set a bad example, so I'll likely take a pass on your generous and ingenious suggestions ..
Thanks!
That way it wouldn't be possible for him to be kicked and worse case scenario everyone just leaves. Because by the sounds of what you posted, the original kids he was playing with, enjoyed playing with him and just felt pressured by the 'late-comers' to kick him. That way his friends wont have to choose between your son and the 'late-comers' because they will be playing on different worlds.
This way your son will be in charge of the "server" and be the one who decides who is kicked. His old friends could join his world and, if your son is gracious, he could allow those same 'late-comers' to join his world if they'd like. And in the case they start causing trouble, your son could kick them.
The only real downside I see to this idea, is that it could be a bit upsetting for him if no one joins. So maybe get him to ask 2 or 3 of his friends if they'd join his minecraft world before he starts building it up.
I see that quite often.
I can safely say that the internet have no borders hence, no laws.
Nothing can be done and contacting Notch, the maker of the game, won't do anything.
The internet is anonymous and this is why a lot of people love acting stupid.
The internet is like forcing a 18 years old person to play with a 10 years old one, he won't appreciate it and will most likely just ignore the younger person.
I personnally believe in introducing a children to video games around 8-9 years old, introducing them to the internet around 14-15 years old. That way you will most likely go around most virtual bullying and negative impact it could have on your child since he will have a mind able to just ignore it and understand that people are cruel and on the internet, you have contact with the entire world after all.
Russians, Canadians, Americans, Frenchs, Chineses.
Childrens under 14 are unable most of the time to understand that bullying on the internet is inpersonnal and shouldnt be taken seriously. They also can't or barely understand they are not dealing with people from their towns or country only but with people from everywhere and people over 18 years old who don't neccesary have the same way of thinking or living than them. Also the older players or ''internauts'' are fully grown persons who don't want to deal with childish or immature youngsters in a lot of cases.
This is why I think parents should prepare their childrens to the internet and it's entire culture before letting them use it.
Anyway that is simply my opinion. Have a nice day/night to you.
Hi,
While I appreciate your supposition that we either "avoid it or live with it", I don't believe it's such a black-and-white matter. I had some concerns about an experience my son was having...vented/posted about it...and have received a lot of feedback which will allow him to be more comfortable in a Minecraft environment (be it the Xbox or PC versions). Soliciting those sorts of responses was the primary "point" of the thread.
Additionally, I do monitor his activity; that's how I knew what was happening.
Have a good evening...
That will definitely be a major part of the plan, thank you for responding.
Hi there,
From what I'm gathering, if he's able to develop his own server and invite only his friends (on the PC version), it sounds like hell be able to play multi-player and not be bothered by the "bullies". . If he does want to continue on the Xbox version, on-going monotiring will definitely be in order.
Also, not sure why everyone is supposing I'm the Dad (or as you suggested "mister" ), especially since I made note of it in my initial post...but I'm actually the Mom .
Regardless, thanks for your input...
This is the same great idea that a few other people have suggested, and one which I've spoken to him about. He seems eager to set it up, and already has a couple of his initial core of friends whom he'll want to have join.
Thanks so much.
Hi there,
I think your points have a lot of validity. Unfortunately, just through school and their academics, kids are introduced to "the internet" at much younger ages than you suggest. Of course, you might be speaking in terms of social networking...
At any rate, in my son's case, the "bullies" were fellow 11 and 12 year old 6th grade classmates of his. Unless he gets involved in a family-friendly server (several have been suggested to me on this thread), I don't anticipate him playing with any older kids...for some of those very reasons you mentioned.
Thank you for your interest, and have a nice evening too.
Hello,
I think the UK is on the right track in terms of trying to police the cyber-bullying, but I imagine it's like trying to lasso the wind. I'm pleased that there have been some cases actually prosecuted ( and I do appreciate the distinctions you made between the different degrees )/
You definitely seem to be on the same track of mind as several other posters who have suggested he start his own server. I hadn't thought about involving myself as an Administrator, though it does have it's appeal on a number of levels. At this age he's still "young" enough where I could get away with it!
I won't deny it has been a bit of a challenge, but most everyone here has been both supportive and helpful, yourself included. Thank you very much for your response.
Agreed. I've been given some good suggestions by some of the other posters already ...
Sadly, this is just how the internet in general works. Younger children simply are not welcomed on most multiplayer games (especially if they use microphones) due to the way they behave. I'm not saying your son behaved inappropriately in any way, but the vast majority of preteens on these sorts of games tend to curse and scream to the point that it ruins the game for everyone else.
Since (i'm guessing) he's on the 360, he's probably using his microphone, which is why many players would choose to attempt to kick him immediately.
It's actually a well known joke on the internet that the 360 community is made up entirely of screaming twelve year olds.
EDIT: I've just gone through and read a bit of the thread.
If he was playing with his own friends, then they were probably just being jerks. It's the internet after all, and anyone will be a jerk if they can get away with it. Especially kids. The more they kick him, the funnier it will be to them.
EDIT: I've just finished reading the rest of this thread.
Yes, they were just kids being jerks. Sadly, there's nothing you can do about it on the 360 version. As others have said, switching to PC and starting your own server in which you (the mother) are admin is basically the only way to ensure that your son will not be bothered again, but this doesn't seem like the right choice to me.
Just my opinion here, but doing that seems like it would deprive him of some good life experience. Lots of people are jerks, even if they act nice on the outside. If they can get away with screwing you over, they probably will. If someone bullies you, you'll just have to do something about it. Getting depressed over something small like this isn't going to help him get through life any easier.
So yeah, sorry. Hope you guys get this worked out!
But you're ruining his fun by making him play on peaceful. Totally destroyed the scare-factor right there. He can't even use a lot of the content because many things require items which can only be gotten from monsters. It's not even violent, when they die they just fall over and poof away as smoke.
Yeah sorry for repeating advice you've already gotten, I admit that I haven't read every post in this thread.
Responding out of order here, but wanted to get back to you. I didn't mean that in a derogatory manner at all ....in fact, as I was writing it, I worried that the tone might not come across correctly. I was actually commending you for the idea (as I had commended the other helpful posters who had a similar suggestion).
Absolutely no worries about reading the whole thread -- it's LONG!
Sorry for the confusion....
Hi again,
I appreciate your additional comments, and you raise some important points. Yes, it sucks and kids can be brutal...and that's why I wanted to gather some information to help him better handle the situation. Definitely have received some good ideas....which I've shared with him...and he's pretty excited to get back to it.
Thanks again....
Hi and thanks for your comments. You touch upon something I've said to him before....that is, "it's their loss". It's been a tough lesson, but as some posters have reminded me, an important one to learn as he navigates his way thru this arena....