Playing games can be very fun for kids and adults. In online games you can also chat with other people who are playing. Conversations during the games are mostly referred to gameplay, but there are persons who abuse these spaces to get closer to young children and molest them and abuse them.
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS?
Addiction- Online games can often develop addiction amongst young people. Young people can get engaged in the game so much that they forget about the real world and real friends and they want to spend all of their free time playing games. For this reason, many counselors advise that computer should be in a shared space like for example living room, so parents know what games are being played and how much time does a child spend on playing games.
Abuse- Some persons who are playing games can be rude and harsh to other participants. That can include calling names and writing in inappropriate language. Young people should be encouraged, when playing online games, to treat other players politely and with respect.
Dangerous behavior– There is young people who are ready to do anything to find a way to win or become better than others. Adults who have sexual affinity towards children and minors can encourage them to send photos and private videos in exchange for help in the game. Young people should know that their online behavior reflects in the real world and that they have to be very cautious, and they should report any potential danger to an adult they trust.
There are also other dangers:
- Explicit sexual content
- Lack of Privacy
- Potential predators
- Age- inappropriate content
- Web camera exposure
- Voice masking technology
- Violence
HOW TO REDUCE RISK?
As parent, it is very important that you introduce your child with all the dangers online and give him/her instructions how to act. Put your computer in shared family space such as living room. If at any time anyone asks them do to something inappropriate, tell them that they should immediately talk to you about that.
