2. Potential risks
Content
The age rating of each game gives a good indication as to the type of content players are likely to encounter when playing. Content descriptors often include sexual themes, fear, profane language, drugs, gambling and violent content.
Games with higher age ratings tend to have a greater exposure to more mature themes, including violence. First-person shooter games can be quite immersive for players. These games are often played from the character’s perspective and the violent interactions can appear immediately adjacent to the player’s point of view.
The in-game voice and text chat functions are often where players may come across inappropriate content. It is recommended that:
- you work through the parental controls menu to set the relevant content filters and chat settings to suit your child
- you ensure your child knows how to report other players if they find their behaviour inappropriate
- your child plays with offline friends, rather than in public games
There are some games, such as Roblox, where a proportion of the content is user-generated (created by other users of the platform rather than by the game developer). There have been cases of new user-generated games containing explicit images and content being uploaded on to these platforms. This content is not always taken down immediately so it is important to check the content of the game your child is playing.
Many of the popular online games have a strong community following outside of the game. Gaming fans also enjoy watching other players on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch. While each game has its own age rating, this does not apply to any user-generated content, so the language used during live gaming streams and comment functions on other platforms is not rated.
Connecting with others
Many online games can be played in single player or multiplayer modes, which means your child may potentially play with people they do not know in the offline world. When players begin gameplay, they can manage their multiplayer settings, often choosing from options such as:
- ‘invite only’
- ‘friends only’
- ‘friends of friends’
- ‘public’
If your child wants to play in a multiplayer server, it is recommended that they play with people who are known to them, choosing either ‘invite only’ or ‘friends only’ options, rather than fully public games where they can encounter players of any age.
There have been cases where young people have been subject to online grooming on gaming platforms. Speak to your child about the risks of playing and communicating with strangers and explain the importance of not sharing any personal or identifiable information with other players within chats. Remind your child neither to accept a gaming invite nor a friend request from someone they do not know in real life. Encourage them to tell you if they have been asked personal questions or have experienced anything upsetting within chats. It is recommended you explore the parental controls and settings menu to limit the interactions your child can have with other players.
Some gamers use third party chatting apps like Discord to chat while gaming. Ask your child if they are using any additional chatting apps while playing and check who they are communicating with. Although chatting is an appealing part of these games, it is not essential to play.
User behaviour
Most online multiplayer games have their own set of community rules, guidelines or standards, which all players must adhere to in order to play. Players who deviate from the expected behaviour risk being removed from the game. An example of this is ‘griefing’, where a player deliberately disrupts or sabotages the experience of other players within the game. Some players can become emotionally invested in the games they play which can impact on their in-game behaviour. An example of this is ‘ragequit’, where a player abruptly leaves a game in frustration or anger, typically due to losing, unfair situations or feeling overwhelmed.
Speak to your child about appropriate behaviour when playing multiplayer games and ensure they know how to report inappropriate behaviour.
Ensure your child knows it can be difficult to keep ownership of any content once it has been shared online, including within gaming livestreams. Content can easily be copied and reposted and can then become difficult to remove from the internet.
Design and costs
The persuasive design of many games means players are often offered endless rewards and bonuses for playing another round or developing skills. For some players, it can be difficult to take time away from the game because of these compelling design features.
Talk to your child about how games are designed to keep users engaged and consider setting gaming time limits, or quest limits, to ensure they get a suitable break away from the game.
Many online multiplayer games provide opportunities for players to make in-game purchases using real currency to buy items within the game. Purchasable items often include exclusive content, items to personalise avatars, and characters or additional features.
Speak to your child about in-game purchases to ensure they understand that real money is used. You can also set the relevant in-game purchase settings on your device.
Loot boxes also present a risk to some users, as they promote excessive spending and encourage gambling behaviour. This can expose children and young people to the possibility of purchasing items with little understanding of the financial consequences.