If you hear your child speaking of guns or attack or team playing then it is certainly in touch with the multiplayer games online. It does not matter if your child is a teenager or as young as 5 years of age, kids these days are technology friendly and they very well know how to operate smartphones or play video games on the computer or gaming consoles.
Earlier, outdoor games stimulated the physical and mental development of a child but as we are getting comfortable with technology, the way our kids go through the stages of development is completely different. They are learning things from these digital gadgets.
The trend these days is of online multiplayer gaming which is absolute fun and a thrilling way to kill time and get some amusement. Kids, especially teens as well as the adults love to play these games. The fun is at peak as you get to play with a live audience. You can react in real time and interact with anyone from any corner of the world.
However, the downside of these online multiplayer games is dominant on the brighter side. There can be an uncountable number of ill effects these games can leave on your child. If you are a parent to a teen, then this article is of great use for you. Continue reading to know how these online multiplayer games can affect the safety of your child.
What Are Online Multiplayer Games?
The games that involve multiple players from all over the world in the same gaming environment and at the same time, interacting with each other are online multiplayer games. These multiplayer games can be played online as well as offline.
They can either play in the same team or as competitors. They are available in different categories as FPS(First Person Shooter), RPG(Role Playing Game), RTS (Real Time Strategy) and many others.
What Are Some Basic Features Of Online Multiplayer Gaming?
Some of the features are common in all the online multiplayer games irrespective of its theme or storyline, have a look at these points listed below.
These online multiplayer games allow players all over the world to interact with each other through chat. This can include text messages, voice clips, image sharing, GIFs, stickers, etc.
These games also offer power ups or addons or additional points or bonus. These extras are not free and they come with a price. Children being unaware of this fact, can end up wasting a huge amount of money on these games.
Some of these online multiplayer games can impose penalty on quitting or leaving the game in the middle. Not everyone is aware of this feature and hence again, children can end up wasting a lot of parents’s money.
What are the threats of online multiplayer gaming?
Bullying
Behind their screens, they bully. Yes, this is how the majority of the players take out their rage and grief, by bullying others. This can have severe impacts on the confidence and self esteem of your child.
Personal Information
Children do not understand the threats that can affect them if they share their personal information. People on these online multiplayer games lay honey traps for kids and can easily take out their personal information and misuse it.
Harassment
Cases of mental as well as that of physical harassment have been recorded in some of the online multiplayer gaming. There are uncountable numbers of toxic players who instigate such heinous activities on the gaming portals.
Inappropriate Content
While playing these games, some of the children have accepted the fact that they have come across inappropriate or unfitting content.
Money/Credit Heist
Many of the players have recorded robbery of their credit points or money or sensitive information related to their payment options on these online multiplayer games.
Can We Keep Our Children Safe From Online Multiplayer Gaming?
Definitely! And for this you do not have to restrict your kids from playing these games. You just have to keep your approach planned and you will be able to keep your children safe from the threats these online multiplayer games can impose.
– Expand your knowledge and ask your kids about the games they play the most.
– Check if these games are appropriate for their age group.
– Try to play those online multiplayer games with your child or atleast show interest by supporting them or cheering for them during the game.
– Make your child aware of the fact that they should never disclose their personal information to anyone. Be open and tell them about the negatives of sharing the personal information.
– Make sure your kids do not spend money on these online multiplayer games without your prior knowledge.
– Keep your communication open and ask them if someone is getting too close to them or bullying them.
– Extend your support and comfort them on a regular basis.
– Set flexible daily playing limits on your child’s gaming.
The Bottom Line
Gaming seems to be an inseparable part of the lives of Gen-Z kids. It is next to impossible for the parents to completely restrict their gaming. But parents can make sure that their child is safe by following certain steps listed above. What do you think about it? Share your views in the comments below.
1 Comment