While gaming with friends can be fun and rewarding, it's important for us to be aware of the dynamics and risks involved.
Staying curious about how our kids are communicating in gaming means we can more easily connect and help them remain positive, respectful, and safe.
Here are 7 key aspects of communication in gaming that parents should be aware of, along with tips for how to support healthy online interactions.
Inappropriate language between friends
In the heat of competition, players - even friends - might use inappropriate language, insults, or display aggressive behavior. This can lead to both picking up unwanted language and creating a culture where that kind of language becomes normalized. Conflicts or hurt feelings can also arise when things are said more harshly than intended.
Solution:
Encourage respectful communication and remind your child about the importance of good sportsmanship. Emphasize the value of apologizing if hurtful things are said, and be ready to help them resolve conflicts they can’t handle on their own.
Communication with strangers
Many games have features that allow contact and communication with other players, who may sometimes be strangers with bad intentions. While younger kids should avoid interacting with people they don’t already know from school or other safe settings, older kids may enjoy the opportunity to connect with new players.
Solution:
Ensure that privacy settings are appropriately configured, and discuss the risks of interacting with people they don’t know in real life. Older kids should be aware of reporting features for abusive language, as well as options for blocking other players if necessary.
Talk about who it is okay to play and communicate with, and emphasize the importance of not sharing personal information, even with friends.
If your child makes friends through games, help them verify that these friends are who they claim to be, and stay involved if they ever wish to meet anyone from the gaming community in person.
Peer pressure
Friends may pressure each other to play longer than is healthy, buy in-game items, or engage in risky behavior, like sharing personal information.
Solution:
Teach your child about setting boundaries and making their own decisions. Encourage open communication about peer pressure, and remind them that they can always take a break or step away if they feel uncomfortable.
Exclusion and bullying
Just as in offline interactions, some kids might exclude others from games or team up against one another, leading to feelings of isolation or bullying.
Solution:
Encourage your child to play in inclusive groups and be mindful of how their actions affect others. If exclusion or bullying becomes a problem, it may be necessary to intervene by speaking with other parents or guiding your child on how to handle the situation.
Talk to your child about what goes on in chats and encourage them to share any uncomfortable experiences.
Content sharing
Friends may share or be exposed to inappropriate content, such as offensive memes, videos, or images, through in-game chats or external platforms.
Solution:
Talk to your child about what goes on in chats and encourage them to share any uncomfortable experiences. Teach them about reporting or blocking users who share inappropriate material.
Cross-platform communication
Communication isn’t limited to the game itself; many players use third-party apps like Discord, Xbox Live, or PlayStation Network to chat. These platforms may have fewer parental controls.
Solution:
Discuss the communication tools your child is using and the risks they pose. Make it a habit to adjust the privacy settings for any new platform. Set clear guidelines with your child about who they can talk to and the kind of behavior expected on these platforms.
Misinformation and rumors
Friends may share misinformation or spread rumors within the gaming community, leading to confusion or unnecessary stress.
Solution:
Encourage critical thinking and teach your child how to verify information before accepting it as true. Remind them that not everything they hear from friends online is accurate.
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By staying engaged and maintaining an open line of communication, you can help your child enjoy a positive and healthy gaming experience.
