This article was initially published in NAG The Annual Edition 2024 and is now available online for the first time.
While some details may have changed since its original publication, all information was accurate at the time of writing.
Gaming for kids is a very important topic for us here at NAG, so in each issue, we feature a number of really cool games and technologies aimed at kids and parents who want to game with their offspring or, more importantly, keep them safe online.
December is a time when kids are bored and parents are frustrated. In this month’s NAG Night School, we’ve got just the right advice to keep the young ones occupied and happy while you get to keep your sanity.
We also give you some tips and tricks to keep your young ones safe online, and if you have a kid who is starting to learn the alphabet, you must check out Kaspersky’s Cybersecurity alphabet.
Then, if you ever want the best bargaining tool, tell your kids they get to go to Centennial Schools if they behave well. It’s the school we wish we had as kids, and you’re going to want to check them out.
Without further ado, welcome to the NAG Night School.
Global parents and kids online safety survey 2024
Check out the full report on Statista.
A global study was recently conducted that surveyed teens aged 13-17, Parents of kids aged 6–17, and adults between 18 and 64, about online safety awareness, attitudes and usage.
South Africa was included in this study, along with 16 other countries. Here are the highlights:
- Young adults aged 16-24 lead the adoption of generative AI.
- Teens lean more heavily on safety awareness and actions than their parents.
- Personal and Sexual risks continued to top the worry list; this is unchanged from 2022
- Teens are worried about threats of violence to themselves or others and hate speech.
- Parents of teens are most worried about sexual exploitation, solicitation, and real-world violence and gore.
- 66% of teens reported at least one addictive behaviour ,with the inability to limit time online seen as the biggest challenge.
Centennial Schools embrace gaming in their curriculum
Centennial Schools, based in Johannesburg, integrates gaming and esports into its curriculum, teaching teamwork, strategy, and digital skills. Beyond gaming, courses include video editing, coding, cryptocurrency, and marketing, preparing students for tech-driven careers.
Students also enjoy personalised learning with AI and practical tech applications, like Adobe and Microsoft suites.
This holistic approach combines academics with esports, fostering real-world readiness and professional gaming opportunities supported by state-of-the-art facilities.
Kaspersky Cybersecurity alphabet
This cybersecurity alphabet is a fun and informative book that teaches kids how to recognise fraudsters’ tricks and the importance of staying safe online, all while they learn their ABCs. Neat!
In Kaspersky’s Cybersecurity alphabet, you’ll get to know new technologies, learn the main cyber hygiene rules, find out how to avoid online threats, and recognise fraudsters’ tricks.
To make sure that your online journey is exciting and free from bad experiences, please study this book from A to Z.
Fortnite Prop hunt Prop hunt games are heart-racing and can be really intense because it’s like hide-and-seek.
When you play a prop hunt game, you are either chosen to be a hunter or a prop. In my opinion, being the prop is a lot more fun. If you are chosen to be a prop you have to transform into any prop that is lying around on the map.
Then you have to blend into the same props on the map or else the hunters might find you. If you are a hunter you have to try and find the other players disguised as props before the time runs out.
Overall, the game is very funny and you can play for hours.
The way that you can transform into any prop is a game changer – you can literally turn into anything you like. The nice thing is that you can play with all your friends together whether you are against each other or work together to hunt or seek.
Sometimes it can be scary because you don’t know if you are going to be found or not but for me this game is a complete 8.9/10.
I would not recommend for people under the age of 7 though. Prop hunt games, like the one Fortnite is not just for finding an object and using it as a disguise you can move around creating funny scenes like putting a toilet in the middle of a fruit juice bar ( if your map has one ) you can also whistle with the simple push of a button to tease the hunters if they can’t find you.
Note to parents: Fortnite Prop hunt is available in Fortnite on any platform and should be played with parental guidance for kids under 13.
Review by Junior Game Reviewer Olivia Beech (11)
NAG’s Top Game Recommendations for kids this Holiday
LEGO Horizon Adventures
Adventures shines not only as one of the most visually awesome LEGO games to have come out but also as a game that balances simplicity with depth, creating a magical experience for kids and adults alike.
From the very start, the game charms players with vibrant, stunning visuals that make it feel like players are stepping into an animated film with a lively, immersive world that’s fun to explore at any age.
The landscapes are detailed and bright, capturing the imagination while keeping things light-hearted and visually pleasing, and the gameplay itself is effortlessly intuitive.
Controls are designed with young players in mind, allowing kids to jump right in and explore without struggling to understand complex mechanics.
LEGO Horizon Adventures is a perfect choice for families looking for a wholesome game that sparks imagination and fosters a sense of wonder. It’s fun, heartwarming, and full of adventure, making it a top recommendation for young builders and those young at heart alike.
Astro Bot
Astro Bot is a standout title for families. It’s a colourful, friendly introduction to the PlayStation world that captures the imagination from the first jump.
The vibrant environments, simple controls, and upbeat tone make Astro Bot easy for kids to pick up and enjoy while delivering a captivating experience for older players.
With playful, familiar characters from PlayStation’s history appearing in clever cameos, Astro Bot doubles as a fun nostalgia tour for adults, who’ll enjoy pointing out famous faces like Kratos or Ratchet to their kids.
It’s almost like a shared family scavenger hunt through PlayStation’s legacy, with secrets and surprises tucked into every level.
The gameplay is built around basic platforming, which is both accessible and engaging for younger players.
Think light, fun, and straightforward – it’s about going on a joyful adventure with Astro, collecting coins, solving light puzzles, and exploring vibrant worlds that feel like living toy sets.
In short, Astro Bot is a perfect, kid-friendly game that combines wholesome, approachable gameplay with an interactive crash course in PlayStation fun, making it a must-play for family game nights.
This article was first published in NAG Magazine Winter Edition 2024.
If you want to get your hands on the latest NAG Magazine, you can follow the link here.