Video games are really popular with kids, and many of these games let players talk to each other during the game. This can be fun, but there are also some risks that parents should know about. Here’s an easy guide to help you understand these risks and keep your child safe.
Things to Watch Out For in In-Game Chat
Bullying: Just like in real life, some players might use in-game chat to bully others. For example, another player might make mean comments if your child doesn’t play well. Make sure your child knows they should tell you if someone says things that make them feel bad.
Talking to Strangers: Many games let players chat with anyone, including strangers. For example, if your child gets a friend request from someone they don’t know, talk to them about why it’s safer to play and chat only with people they know in real life. ( Below we listed popular games that has this feature)
Grooming: Some people use games to try to get close to kids. They might pretend to be a kid themselves so they can gain trust. It’s important to remind your child not to share personal information like their name, school, or address with anyone online.
Competitive Pressure: Games can be very competitive, which sometimes leads to arguments or mean behavior. For instance, if your child loses a game and another player taunts them, it can affect their mood. Talk to your child about how to enjoy games without feeling too pressured to always win.
How to Keep Your Child Safe
Turn Off the Chat Feature: Most games allow you to disable chat. This helps keep your child from talking to strangers while playing. If they do want to chat, encourage them to play with friends they already know and trust.
Use Safe Chat Apps: If your child wants to chat during games, consider using a separate app like Discord to talk to friends. It’s a safer way for them to enjoy chatting while keeping their conversations private.
Report Bad Players: Most games have a way to report players who are being rude or harmful. Teach your child how to use these tools if someone is behaving badly. This helps keep the game fun and safe for everyone.
Talk Openly: Make it a habit to ask your child about their gaming. Simple questions like, “Did you have fun?” or “Did anyone say anything weird?” can help you stay in the loop. Let your child know they can always talk to you if something bothers them.
Games That Allow In-Game Chat
Some popular games with chat features include:
- Fortnite: This game allows voice and text chat with teammates, which can include strangers. If your child plays Fortnite, it’s important to monitor who they’re talking to and encourage them to play with real-life friends.
- Roblox: Roblox has a chat feature that can be used across different games within the platform. Although they have filters in place, some messages can still be inappropriate. Make sure to use the parental controls to limit who your child can talk to.
- Minecraft: Minecraft has both private and public servers, many of which allow chat. If your child is on a public server, they can talk to anyone there. Setting up a private server for your child and their friends is a safer option.
- Among Us: This game uses text chat to communicate about game strategies. The chat can sometimes be aggressive, especially when players argue. Make sure your child knows how to mute or block other players if necessary.
- Call of Duty: This game allows players to use voice chat, which can sometimes include mature language. It’s important to check whether this game is suitable for your child’s age, as it’s rated for older players.
You can check if a game is age appropriate here.
Final Thoughts
Being involved with your child’s gaming can help them stay safe while having fun. Keep the conversation open so they feel comfortable coming to you with questions or problems. By being there for them, you can make sure they get the most out of their gaming in a safe way.
