Online gaming has always been a passion of mine and has introduced me to things no one else would have experienced, both good and bad.
I still remember the day I got my first online gaming console, the PlayStation 3, which in today’s context is considered retro (yes, I feel old!). Funny enough, I wasn’t the one who initially wanted it. It was my dad, an avid gamer himself, who was inspired after seeing his friend’s son playing. Lucky me!
Fast forward to today, online gaming is more accessible than ever. Kids can play on smartphones, tablets, consoles, or PCs — often within minutes of downloading a game. Some of these games are also aimed at kids, and even have micro-transaction options where you can pay real money to gain advantages in games. But is that ease of access and focus on winning-by-any-means and consumerism a good thing? As someone who grew up with online gaming, I want to share my personal journey and what modern parents need to know to keep their kids safe in today’s digital gaming world.
My Childhood with Online Gaming
My First Online Game: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
I was 12 when my dad brought home the PS3. He’d play single-player campaigns, and I’d wait patiently for my turn. Getting it online was a challenge — I had to figure out network settings through trial, error, and a lot of Google searches. But when I finally connected, it was like stepping into a new world.
The first game I ever played online was Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. It was a whole new world to me, being able to play against other real people was such as cool and novel concept. It also awoke a competitive side of me, and I strove to improve and win. I eventually got pretty good and even ranked highly on world leaderboards. However, my parents weren’t very happy with how much time I spent playing and limited it so I would focus on my studies. While I do understand their concerns now, I always wondered how different my life would be if I had the opportunity to pursue gaming as a career.
The dangers of being a kid in an adult world
If you’re an avid gamer from that era, you might be aware of some negative connotations about the Call of Duty franchise when it comes to the online experience. The game was mostly 6 vs 6, and players had access to voice communication. All you had to do was plug a headset in, and you could communicate with your teammates.
Now picture this: there’s no age verification required for voice chat, and the age range of players was mostly older teens and young adults. As a 12-year-old entering the space with a headset, many unsavoury words were tossed around that maybe weren’t very suitable for a kid that age. But honestly, that was about it. There wasn’t really much socially you could do on games back then, other than just adding people as friends and voice communications. The only thing I felt I had to be wary of was sharing any personal information with strangers, which is basic online safety.
The Online Culture Back Then
For those who played Call of Duty during that era, you’ll remember the reputation its voice chats had. The game supported open voice communication — all you needed was a headset. As a 12-year-old, this meant being exposed to language and behaviour that was not exactly age-appropriate.
Still, the social features were limited: voice chat, friend requests, and basic lobbies. Online safety concerns were mostly about oversharing personal information — nothing like the multi-platform social hubs we see in today’s games.
Online Gaming Today: Easier, Broader, and Riskier
1. Roblox
Roblox is a massive platform where kids can play, create, and interact across thousands of mini-games. The concern? It’s highly social. Players can chat, invite others into private servers, and engage in ways similar to social media. Even with the recently updated parental controls, kids can be exposed to dangerous people and situations if they aren’t closely monitored. Roblox also seems to put the onus on the parents to monitor their kids, rather than taking responsibility as a company for the activities that take place on their platform – these are red flags!
Cybersecurity expert Jake Moore, a Global Security Advisor at ESET, also emphasises the importance of parental involvement. He recommends parents download the game themselves, connect with their child in-game, and actively use Roblox’s parental control tools. These tools allow restrictions on spending, communication, and even who your child can interact with.
“Don’t just say no — explain, participate, and supervise. Otherwise, kids will find ways to bypass restrictions without your knowledge.” – Jake Moore, ESET
2. Minecraft
Minecraft might seem harmless — and it often is — but online servers can be a different story. Many servers operate monetisation models that mimic gambling mechanics. So if you don’t want your kiddo to develop a serious gambling addiction early, then make sure you monitor which servers your child joins and educate them about manipulative microtransactions.
YouTuber TheMisterEpic has investigated and exposed these servers, revealing tactics such as:
- Loot boxes with ultra-rare rewards (some with 0.1% drop rates)
- Membership-only servers that block access to non-paying users
- Children spending saved-up allowance money trying their luck
A lot of these online servers are free, but many cool cosmetics or items that help you progress faster in the game require real money. These items aren’t even guaranteed when you purchase them. For example, you would have to purchase a key to unlock a chest that has several rewards. These rewards have different ‘rarities’, with exclusive items having a drop rate of 0.1%. This is essentially gambling for children, with many who use their saved-up pocket money to try their luck at these coveted items. Other Minecraft servers are ‘Pay to Play’, which require you to obtain a paid membership to even play on them. Such monetary systems in a kids’ game are something parents should keep an eye out for!
3. Clash Royale
This fun mobile game was something I played when I was a teen, but it’s still seeing a lot of play amongst the kids today. Clash Royale is a strategy game with cute little characters that you use to fight against opponents and destroy their towers. It features colourful graphics and fast-paced battles, but like others, it heavily pushes in-game purchases. Rarer, stronger characters are often locked behind a paywall, rarer characters having a low chance of being summoned.
It’s scary how easy it was for me to purchase in-game currency. I can only imagine how easy it is for kids to do the same if they’re using their parents’ phone. Since many children play on their parents’ devices, accidental or unauthorised purchases are common. Ensuring in-app purchase restrictions are enabled is essential.
Why Supervision Matters
Online gaming isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it helped me develop critical thinking, social skills, and even friendships that crossed borders. But as the digital landscape evolves, so do the risks.
Parents don’t need to ban online games. But, in my opinion, they do need to be present. Engage with your child’s interests. Talk to them about their favourite games. Use built-in safety features. And above all, foster open communication.
Key Takeaways for Parents
– Download the games your child plays
– Use parental controls and privacy settings
– Monitor communication and spending options
– Talk to your child regularly about online experiences
– Explain risks — don’t just impose rules
My final thoughts
Ultimately, I love online gaming. Online gaming shaped much of my childhood, and I feel like it’s an experience that kids who are interested should be allowed to experience. It’s fun, social, and often educational. Let your kids explore, but guide them along the way and make sure to look out for them. There’s a lot to gain from online gaming. I definitely developed social skills and have made many friends across the world just from playing games online, and I don’t regret getting into it as a child. But in today’s world, it’s crucial that parents stay informed and involved.
Game on — responsibly.
Authour Raiz Redwan is HoneyKids Asia’s resident gamer and digital native. Raiz is passionate about helping families navigate the online world safely.
