This is one of the more controversial topics in gaming. While there have always been claims of video games causing violence and other mental health issues, research has consistently debunked some of those issues. However, the reality of sexual abuse and how online gaming can provide a platform for predators is extremely concerning.
Whether you are an avid gamer or a concerned parent, we should all work together to make video games as safe as possible for the most vulnerable players: children. Although many games in and of themselves provide value to young gamers, online features create opportunities for abusers to communicate with potential victims.
In this guide, we will discuss some ways that online predators use video games to access children, as well as some tips for prioritizing the safety of young players.
Private Messages
The most common method of a predator connecting with an underage player is via direct messaging features. Most multiplayer and online games allow players to communicate privately through messages. This can occur in-game, while in lobbies, or through specific console systems.
The innocence of a child means they have lower barriers to concerning behavior. What an adult sees as an obvious red flag may go right over a child’s head. For example, Roblox-related injury claims that involve sexual abuse often begin when a predator starts messaging a victim. Eventually, the conversation may move offline and lead to planning a meet-up, where the predator abuses the victim. Although many games are improving their reporting and policing of direct messages, these defenses remain imperfect.
Account Sharing
A child is more likely to fall for an account-hacking scheme. An adult playing the same game may offer to boost the child’s level in that game, asking for account info or passwords to do so. However, doxxing is a major issue in the online gaming world, which involves player info being shared without their permission.
This can be a precursor to harassment or abuse. Children must be taught the importance of not sharing their account information with anyone who cannot be verified. Messaging online friends that you know in real life is not the same as responding to someone you met on a Minecraft server.
Building Trust Through Play
A video game is a distraction for a child. They may be so focused on the game’s task that they do not realize they are revealing private information to a stranger online. Voice chat features in multiplayer can have these types of consequences. It is an immediate red flag if an adult asks a child to join them on a voice chat while playing.
The predator will disguise this request as a strategic approach to accomplishing the current task. They might tell the child it will be easier to coordinate and win if they are speaking to each other live. However, the conversation can quickly turn personal, and the predator may attempt to procure private information while the child is focused on the game, such as where they live or how old they are.
User-Generated Spaces
Many games, including the highly popular Roblox and Minecraft, allow players to create their own servers, worlds, and minigames. Users can then invite others into those spaces. It is easy to see how this can be problematic when a player is attempting to communicate with children for nefarious purposes.
Although moderation and control over user-generated content are improving, it is still possible for a child to be exposed to inappropriate material through a player-created space. For example, a Minecraft private server may have sexual themes in its design, where the predator is trying to subtly introduce the topic of sex to the young gamer.
Tips For Protecting Your Child While Gaming
There are numerous ways to ensure your child is safe while playing video games. First, gaming safety starts with secure usernames and passwords that do not reveal any personal information. Make sure your child’s gamer tag does not include their name, address, or other identifying information.
Another strategy is to check out the privacy settings for individual games and specific consoles. There are likely features that let you control who your child interacts with in messages, such as mutual friends only. You can usually turn off voice chat, so it isn’t an option.
If you notice suspicious behavior or game content, report it to the relevant entities as soon as possible. If your child receives a sexually explicit message, you can contact your local police. If a user-generated space appears to contain sexual content, the matter should be referred to the game developers, who can take action to remove the server.
Prioritizing gamer safety is important for all players, not just underage gamers. A safer online gaming environment will ensure everyone can enjoy games as they were meant to be played.
Let’s Keep Gamers of All Ages Safe
Making online gaming safe for kids is not just the job of parents and game developers. All players can work together to ensure these spaces are safe for young minds. If you notice strange behavior by a fellow player toward a child, don’t hesitate to report them to the devs. If player-generated content is way too sexual and their server is accessible to children, don’t stay silent.
If we all prioritize making online games safe for children, the gaming community will be better for it. Keeping predators out of the space will make this activity more fun for everyone.
