We've spoken about the online dangers but I just wanted to refresh our memories about the danger posed in online video games too.When it comes
We’ve spoken about the online dangers but I just wanted to refresh our memories about the danger posed in online video games too.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev
When it comes to online safety, knowledge is the first line of defense for parents and guardians. In the gaming world, “grooming” is often subtle, masquerading as friendship or mentorship.
Here is a breakdown of the dangers and the specific tactics predators use to lure children.
1. The “Gift” Trap
Predators often start by offering in-game currency (like V-Bucks or Robux), rare “skins,” or powerful weapons. By providing these gifts, they create a sense of indebtedness or “reciprocity.” The child feels they owe the person something in return, which the predator eventually leverages to ask for photos or personal information.
2. Move to Private Platforms
A major red flag is when a player asks a child to move the conversation from the public game chat to a private, less-moderated platform like Discord, Snapchat, or WhatsApp. These “off-platform” spaces allow predators to send unmonitored links or media without the game’s safety filters intervening.
3. Exploiting “Pro-Gamer” Status
Many predators position themselves as “elite” players or coaches. They offer to teach the child secret tricks or help them level up. This establishes a power imbalance where the child looks up to the predator as a mentor, making them more likely to trust the predator’s requests.
4. Emotional Grooming & “Us vs. Them”
Predators are often very patient. They spend weeks or months listening to a child’s problems at school or home. They use this information to alienate the child from their parents, saying things like, “Your parents don’t understand you like I do,” or “This is our little secret.”
⚠️ Key Dangers to Watch For
Live Voice Chat: Unlike text, voice chat is rarely monitored in real-time. Predators use it to build a sense of intimacy and to gauge a child’s age and emotional state.
User-Generated Content (UGC): In games like Roblox or Minecraft, users can create their own “rooms.” Predators may invite children to private, password-protected digital spaces designed to isolate them.
DDoS Threats & Doxing: Some predators use “fear-ware” tactics. They might threaten to shut down a child’s internet or reveal their home address unless the child complies with their demands.
| Feature | Action to Take |
| Privacy Settings | Set profiles to “Friends Only” and disable “Discoverability.” |
| Chat Controls | Turn off “Open Mic” and use “Push-to-Talk” or text-only options. |
| Hardware Placement | Keep gaming consoles in common areas (living rooms) rather than bedrooms. |
| The “Golden Rule” | Teach children that if an online friend asks them to keep a secret from their parents, that is an immediate signal to stop talking to them. |
The goal isn’t to ban gaming, but to stay involved. When parents play with their kids, they demystify the space and make it much harder for a predator to isolate the child.