So my daughter is nearly 7 and this weekend we heard the fateful words “Daddy, can I play Roblox? All my friends are playing it”. And so after years of talking about online safety in schools, I needed to start practicing what I preach. My wife and I are both big gamers and we appreciate the fun and excitement of gaming, but we’re also well aware of the dangers and the need to apply limits.
Online video games offer immersive experiences that go far beyond just playing. Many games now feature complex social interactions, allowing children to connect and chat with others online. While this can be a positive way to build friendships and teamwork skills, it also introduces potential dangers, especially when interacting with strangers.
This article explores the specific risks children face when communicating with unknown players in three popular games: Minecraft, Fortnite, and of course, Roblox. I’ll provide some guidance on how parents and teachers can minimize these risks using the games’ built-in parental controls while emphasizing the importance of open communication and active monitoring.
The Dangers of Online Gaming for Children:
Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Unmoderated chat can expose children to offensive language, bullying, and even predatory behaviour. These encounters can be upsetting and confusing for young children, and may even lead to them withdrawing from online activities altogether. In more extreme cases, children may be exposed to harmful content such as hate speech or violent threats, which can have a lasting negative impact on their emotional well-being.
Sharing Personal Information: In the excitement of online friendships, children may be more likely to share personal details like their name, location, or school with strangers they meet in-game. This information can be used for malicious purposes, such as identity theft, cyberbullying, or even stalking. It’s crucial to teach children the importance of online privacy and to never share personal information with strangers, regardless of the context.
Shifting to Unmonitored Platforms: Social links shared in games can lead children to unsafe websites or private chat applications, which are often beyond the reach of parental controls and moderation tools. These platforms may contain harmful content or expose children to further risks of online predation. It’s important to be aware of the potential for social links to lead children off the seemingly safe environment of a game, and to have open discussions with them about the dangers of venturing onto unknown websites or apps.
Minimizing Risks with Parental Controls:
While parental controls are not a foolproof solution, they can be a valuable tool in creating a safer online gaming environment for children.
Here’s a breakdown of the specific controls available in Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft:
Roblox:
- Roblox offers robust parental controls: Text chat is filtered, and parents can even see their child’s complete chat history. This allows parents to monitor their child’s online interactions and identify any potential concerns. Make sure you set your child’s correct age in the account settings to apply the correct filters.
- Log in on the web (www.roblox.com) and click on the cog in the top right corner. Here you can set up a parental email address (which you will need to verify). Go into Privacy and set who is able to chat to and message your child.
- Click on Parental Controls to set up a parental pin. Here you can also choose the allowed experiences (13+, 9+ or suitable for all).
- You can also set a monthly spend restriction, to avoid them running up huge bills buying Robux, the in-game currency. Set spend notifications to “all” to receive an email whenever Robux are purchased.
- Be aware that accounts set to 13+ can see social media links posted by other users, potentially leading them off the platform onto other, unmoderated chat sites such as Discord. It’s important to discuss these risks with your child and consider disabling the option to see social links altogether if necessary.
- See: A Parents Ultimate Guide to Roblox from Common Sense Media for more.
Minecraft:
- Java or Bedrock?: Minecraft Java Edition offers the most freedom, but also the least moderation. Consider the Bedrock Edition instead, which filters language automatically. This can help to shield children from exposure to offensive language and potentially harmful content.
- Parental controls: Utilize the option to disable chat entirely for anyone not on your child’s friend list. This can significantly reduce the risk of children encountering inappropriate content or interacting with strangers.
- Common Sense Media have an Ultimate Guide to Minecraft. Check it out here.
Fortnite:
- Fortnite provides granular control over chat: Choose who your child can interact with, from everyone to friends only. This allows you to tailor the level of interaction to your child’s maturity level and your own comfort level. Age restrictions are also in place, limiting voice chat access for younger children. This helps to protect them from exposure to potentially inappropriate language or conversations.
- Fortnite is a PEGI 13 game for a reason. But there are games within Fortnite (the Lego Fortnite game) which can be played in single player mode, and are very attractive to young children.
- Enable voice chat reporting: This feature stores a short audio clip for review if a player uses inappropriate language. This can help to hold players accountable for their online behaviour and create a safer environment for everyone.
- Consider using a parental PIN: This option adds a layer of security by requiring parental approval before adding new friends. This can help to prevent children from accidentally or unknowingly adding strangers, reducing the risk of online predation and unwanted interactions.
- Check out: Parents’ Ultimate Guide to Fortnite for more.
What else can parents do?
Remember, parental controls are just one piece of the puzzle:
Open communication and active monitoring are crucial to truly protecting children online.
Here are some additional tips:
- Open Communication is Key: Talk to your child about online safety, emphasizing the dangers of talking to strangers and sharing personal information. Explain why these actions are risky and how they can potentially harm them. Encourage them to come to you with any concerns or questions they may have about their online interactions.
- Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the games your child plays and their online safety features. Research the specific risks associated with each game and the available parental control options. By understanding the online environment your child is in, you can make informed decisions about their safety and well-being.
- Active Monitoring: While respecting your child’s privacy, occasionally check their in-game activity and social interactions. This doesn’t mean constant surveillance, but rather a casual and open approach
Frequently Asked Questions
Parental Controls for Online Gaming:
Q: Are parental controls enough to keep my child safe online?
A: Parental controls are a valuable tool, but they shouldn’t be considered a foolproof solution. They can help filter content, restrict interactions, and monitor activity, but it’s crucial to combine them with open communication and active monitoring.
Q: What features should I look for in parental controls for online gaming?
A: Look for features that allow you to:
- Limit who your child can interact with: Choose who they can chat with, from everyone to friends only.
- Filter content: Block inappropriate language, harmful content, and potentially risky websites.
- Monitor activity: Track their gameplay time, in-game purchases, and potentially even chat history (depending on the game).
- Set time limits: Control the amount of time your child can spend playing each day.
Q: How do I set up parental controls for specific games?
A: Most games have built-in parental control options within their settings menus. You can also find information and instructions on the game developer’s website or through online resources.
Parental Controls on Children’s Devices:
Q: What types of devices should I use parental controls on?
A: Consider using parental controls on all devices your child uses to access the internet, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and even smart TVs.
Q: What different types of parental controls are available for devices?
A: Most devices offer a variety of parental control options, including:
- Content filtering: Block access to inappropriate websites and apps.
- Screen time limits: Set time limits for how long your child can use the device each day.
- App management: Approve or block specific apps from being downloaded or used.
- Location tracking: See your child’s location on a map for added peace of mind (with their consent and appropriate age).
Q: Where can I find more information about parental controls?
A: Many device manufacturers and software companies offer detailed information and guides on their websites. Additionally, organizations like Internet Matters and NSPCC provide valuable resources and guidance on online safety for children.
Remember, the most effective approach to online safety involves a combination of parental controls, open communication, and active monitoring. By working together, we can create a safer and more positive online experience for our children.
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