Is Gaming Part of your Child's Summer Fun? Read this!
 

According to the Entertainment Software Association, 64% of U.S. households own a device used to play video games, with children and teens under eighteen making up more than 28% of all gamers.

While online gaming can be a fun way to connect, compete and interact with others, it can also be a hunting ground for sexual predators and traffickers who use gaming platforms to stalk and groom youth, with the goal of moving the conversation to a private interaction.

The FBI warns: "Online gaming gives predators a logical topic to start a conversation with their intended victims: their common interest in the game. Predators may pose as friendly adults or age-appropriate peers to form relationships with potential victims. They often befriend children by giving them game tips or providing game currency."

Additional online gaming dangers and concerns:

• A predator can engage all the senses at once in real time (thrill of competition, voice chat features, visual imagery, and so forth)...a predator's dream come true!
• Violence and sexual content are often depicted
• Cyberbullies can target players
• Voice-masking technology can be used by predators to disguise their real voice
• Content may be age-inappropriate
• The addictive nature of online gaming
• May interfere with family interactions, sleep, homework, friendships with non-gamers and child/teen's mood/mental health.

Parents need to be proactive with monitoring their children’s online gaming activity, and teach their children protective measures:

• Only play and use voice chat with friends they know in real life

• Kick out/block any players that make them feel uncomfortable

• Never share any personally identifiable information (birthday, address, school name, etc.)

Additionally, parents should set privacy settings, age-appropriate filters and parental controls on the gaming device (or using device settings if game is accessed by an app). Parents should also learn and play the game along with their child so they understand all the features and potential pitfalls of allowing access to the game.

Finally, parents can review games/ratings by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board before downloading or buying games.

This summer, take the time to understand the most common threats children face in the online gaming world. An informed, equipped and empowered parent can help create a safer and more positive online gaming experience for all!

For more safety tips and resources, visit Gaming 101.