Gaming and online safety: A parent’s guide to multiplayer video games

Video games have exploded in popularity and multiplayer experiences are a huge part of the fun. From teaming up with friends to conquer virtual dungeons to strategizing against global opponents, online games offer a unique blend of social interaction and engaging gameplay. But as parents, we naturally worry about keeping our children safe in this exciting yet sometimes unfamiliar territory.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the world of online gaming alongside your child as we’ll delve into the benefits of online gaming, explore potential risks, and provide practical tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

What are multiplayer video games?

Multiplayer video games allow multiple players to interact, compete or cooperate within the same game environment over the internet. From competitive sports games to cooperative adventures and massive online battle arenas, otherwise known as MOBAs, these games can range from simple two-player formats to massive online worlds where thousands of players interact simultaneously. Some popular examples include Fortnite, Minecraft and Roblox, each offering unique experiences and communities.

Why kids love them

Imagine your child strategizing with their teammates, adapting to in-game challenges and celebrating victories together – these are valuable skills that translate well into real-life situations. In fact, before diving into safety, let’s acknowledge the positive aspects of online gaming and why children are drawn to multiplayer games.

• Social interaction: these games offer a platform for children to connect with friends even if they are not physically together, while they enable them to make new ones.
• Achievement and progression: a healthy dose of competition is a natural human motivator and multiplayer games provide a platform for kids to test their skills against others. In addition, many such games feature progression systems that reward players for their achievements.
• Teamwork and collaboration: a number of multiplayer games are built around teamwork, requiring players to strategize, communicate, and work together towards a common goal. This collaborative aspect teaches valuable skills like problem-solving, communication and leadership.
• Sense of accomplishment: such games often involve working towards goals, completing tasks and achieving victories. This sense of accomplishment, whether it’s conquering a difficult level or winning a competitive match, provides a rewarding feeling that fuels their motivation to keep playing and improving.
• Fun and entertainment: let’s not forget the core element – fun. These types of games offer a dynamic and immersive experience. The ability to interact with others in a virtual world, complete quests and overcome challenges together creates a sense of excitement and enjoyment that keeps kids coming back for more.

Potential risks in online gaming

While online gaming can be a positive and enriching experience, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks. Here is a list of the most common:

• Inappropriate content: while age ratings exist, games and interactions within them can sometimes expose children to inappropriate language, themes or behavior like graphic violence. Even games rated for younger audiences can have elements that parents might find concerning.
• Cyberbullying and harassment: just like anywhere online, cyberbullying can occur in gaming environments. In fact, the anonymity of online interactions can sometimes lead to these negative behaviors and children may encounter hostile or aggressive players, which can affect their mental well-being.
• Stranger danger: unfortunately, the online world can attract individuals with harmful intentions. Predators may use gaming platforms to initiate contact with young players, posing significant risks such as trying to manipulate them or share inappropriate information.
• Excessive screen time: the immersive nature of games can lead to spending excessive time glued to the screen, neglecting other important activities, while this has the potential to impact a child’s academic performance, physical health and social interactions.
• In-app purchases: many games offer in-app purchases, which can tempt children to spend real money without proper understanding or permission.
• Privacy and security concerns: online games require personal information in order to create an account and without proper safeguards in place, this information can be at risk. Not to mention that some games may have weak security measures, making accounts vulnerable to hacking.

How to keep your kids safe online

Now that we’ve identified the potential risks, let’s get down to how we can create a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for our children.

Open communication

Without a doubt, the foundation of online safety is open communication. Talk to your child about responsible gaming activities, the importance of treating others with respect, even if online and encourage them to come to you if they encounter anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. In addition, teach them not to share personal information, to use strong passwords and to enable two-factor authentication. Also, show interest in the games they play by asking about their favourite parts and who they play with. And don’t forget to establish clear rules about when and how they can play.

Set up parental controls

Most gaming platforms, such as PlayStation and Xbox, offer parental control features, which allow you to restrict access to certain games, set time limits and control in-game purchases so make sure you use these tools to create a safe and managed environment for your child. Meanwhile, software like Windows Family Safety and Google Family Link can help manage gaming on PCs and mobile devices. Check that the game’s privacy settings are set to the highest level and consider doing things like turning off voice chat for younger children or limiting interactions to known friends only.

Monitor game content and ratings

Game ratings and reviews provide valuable information about the content and suitability of games. You can use resources like the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to check game ratings. Read reviews from websites like Common Sense Media and watch gameplay videos to get a better understanding of the game’s content.

Location, location, location

Ideally, set up gaming devices in a common area of the house, rather than the kids’ bedrooms since this will allow you to casually monitor what they are doing and can foster open communication. Things to review every now and again is your child’s friend list so that you can make sure they and you know all their contacts personally. You can also review in-game chats, since some games allow voice, text or video chats which can be restricted or monitored.

Encourage balanced play

One way to prevent gaming addiction is to help your children maintain a balanced lifestyle. You can do this by encouraging regular physical activity, while you can also establish a bedtime routine that excludes screen time at least an hour before bed. What’s more, you can use parental controls to set daily or weekly limits on gaming time and of course, encourage your child to participate in offline activities, such as a sport, reading and family time.

Additional tips and tricks

• Consider creating a a so-called “gaming contract” with your child that outlines expectations for responsible online behaviour, screen time limits, as well as consequences for breaking the rules.
• In fact, you may want to take it a step further and create a schedule with specific times for gaming to prevent excessive screen time. Meanwhile, encourage alternative activities and make sure your child has a healthy balance between gaming, other hobbies and physical activity.
• Teach your child to question the motives of other players, especially that of strangers and educate them about the signs of grooming and predatory behaviour.
• Join your child in their gaming adventures to understand the games better and bond with them. You may also want to keep yourself informed about the latest gaming trends.
• As a parent, you should lead by example by practicing responsible digital citizenship yourself and talking openly with your child about your online interactions.

The world of online multiplayer games is exciting and full of potential for young players. By staying informed, setting boundaries, fostering open communication and by taking an active role in your child’s gaming, you can ensure your children enjoy these games safely and responsibly.

Interested in more trips and tricks? Take a look at this guide on parental controls and if you’re wondering about the ideal internet speed, here is an explanation on the ideal internet for gaming and internet speeds explained.