Massively multiplayer online games, or MMORPGs as insiders know them, are gaining in popularity with each passing week. But these games include virtual worlds which exist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — aren’t like ordinary games. Accessible only via Internet connection, they’re more socially experimental than anything else. No matter the setting (and hundreds are available, from ancient Rome to sci-fi landscapes and even real-world locales), the emphasis is on human interaction.

Rather than just encountering computer-controlled characters, players personalize a digital double and cooperate with or compete against hundreds upon thousands of live human peers. Naturally, such offerings present a whole new set of challenges for concerned parents trying to monitor their children’s online activities, let alone gaming habits.

MMORPGSs are only as good as the content which goes into them. Some feature explicit sex, others foul language and yet others graphic violence. Worse, many are made by independent production houses and not sold at retail, meaning they aren't subject to the same standards as the regulated games. Be careful when it comes to the games you pick. Consider their underlying themes before buying: Disney’s Toontown Online is, by its very nature, a much safer bet than, say, World of Warcraft (nothing against either of these games, I'm sure they're both very enjoyable).

Believe it or not, certain in-game objects — rare items, hard to obtain magic spells, even powerful characters — sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars in actual real-world currency. (Some on eBay!) Con men and scammers are everywhere: Make sure your children don’t share their hard-won gold pieces or special weapons with someone they don’t know. These con artists are very common and don’t mind stealing from the unsuspecting. Never give out personal information online, you never know who you might be talking with.

Some games allow player-vs-player (PVP) combat. This is just what it sounds like: People are free to assault one another. While slain characters can often be revived (typically with experience or wealth penalties), it’s a hassle most children, especially younger ones, don’t need to contend with...and possibly might not be able to deal with. Rather than see them victimized by older, better-versed and less scrupulous players, stick with titles which either don’t allow PVP melee or confine it to specific areas.

That pretty young elf magician? We hate to say it, but she could really be a he...and, in an extreme case, possibly a sexual predator. Keep a a close knowledge of whom your child is associated with, and consider using friend lists whenever possible to restrict communication with those you’re suspicious of. Under a best-case scenario, your child would be able to form a regular gaming group with friends from school or other activities where they’ve actually met and interacted with fellow gamers.

MMORPGs are expensive to maintain, because customer support is constantly necessary and new content is always being added. As a result, you won’t just purchase a retail product & in most cases you’ll also have to pay a monthly fee for the right to play. Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into before letting your child run wild. That title you don’t mind shelling $40 out for at the store could soon turn into a $100+ annual investment.  Several games are available only online, check into these if you have a high speed connection. Alot of which also offer free-to-play versions as well as trial periods.  

Massively multiplayer titles are often what players make of them, and both characters and situations tend to take on a life of their own. Just because you choose to be a ranger or skill trainer doesn’t mean that you can’t pass the hours away playing a dirty dancer or contract killer. After all, it’s not like most designers had it in mind when they built in features which let you share currency with someone that money would be used to hire amateur assassins. Hang around sometime and watch your child play the game. You’ll get a good sense for whether they’re behaving like a noble hero or shady rogue.

Almost every MMORPG is supervised by community support staff. Should someone be harassing your child or playing unfairly, don’t hesitate to complain. These overseers are there to moderate and maintain game balance, after all. And make sure everyone’s having a good time. Inevitably, some people you encounter in a simulated social environment (as at any party or similar event) are going to be prone to behaving badly, using foul language or picking on weaker individuals. Discuss the merits of avoiding such troublemakers with your child and explain the downsides of copycatting their actions. Reaffirm that there are plenty of ways to enjoy superhero titles and space-faring outings without resorting to detestable means.

Many games let you pick new characters and change your name or general attributes when you tire of the alter-ego you’re currently playing. And just as many also offer multiple servers where gamers can connect and go adventuring to host the action. Should your child attract unwanted attention from less desirable elements, simply change their identity and/or move onto another server and group of players. It’s like starting your life over anew.  This might not seem very desirable to your child because MMORPGs are addictive, and not everyone is able to set boundaries for themselves. If you notice your child is becoming too involved in a title to the point that they’re neglecting their homework and responsibilities or behaving oddly in general, step up and take action.

As mentioned before, MMORPGSs are available 24/7/365, and there’s always something new and interesting going on. Therefore, the temptation for your child to login at 3 a.m. instead of getting a good night’s sleep may prove too much to overcome. Be watchful for signs of such behavior. (Hint: the bags under their eyes are a good start).  This can become overwhelming at times and does create changes in a childs social life and other aspects of their behavior. And for that matter, think about keeping your family PC or console in a common area where you'll be aware of its use after hours.

The things stated here are coming from an adult gamer, some of the same rules apply to us parents as well. ;)  I hope you found this guide helpful.