Video games have sparked controversy for years. While many games have taught kids of all ages troubleshooting skills, the questionable content, violence, and interactions with strangers online have parents understandably concerned.
So, Gabb Wireless, a company focused on internet safety for kids, went to the experts. They compiled a video asking online safety experts which video games are banned in their own homes.
What Video Games Would You Never Let Your Kid Play?
Video games can provide hours of fun entertainment. Though, many parents are already aware that too much of a good thing can be harmful. There is an addictive component to video games—getting to the next level, obtaining achievements, and escaping to a virtual world.
Beyond safe screen time limits and player interaction boundaries, the experts at Gabb listed certain games that are simply off limits.
In a TikTok video, the interviewer walked around the office to ask online safety experts, “What’s one video game you would never let your kid use?” A variety of answers were given, though a couple of games received multiple votes.
Roblox (Rated: Teen)
With three experts sharing that they don’t let their kids play Roblox, this virtual universe game tops the list.
“I don’t think he realizes how slick online predators are, and I don’t think he’s ready for that,” one mom and online safety expert explained in a follow-up video.
Another online safety expert was asked why she wouldn’t let her child play Roblox. “Online predators. Explicit content. I mean, there are virtual strip clubs they can visit. And, it’s super addicting.”
The creators describe Roblox as, “the ultimate virtual universe that lets you create, share experiences with friends, and be anything you can imagine. Join millions of people and discover an infinite variety of immersive experiences created by a global community!”
With such a creative community, Roblox also allows users to create and share their own games. A game built by a user could contain adult or inappropriate content.
As with other video games, Roblox allows players to communicate with one another, which parents may or may not be aware of the content shared among users.
Grand Theft Auto (Rated Teen)
Two online safety experts specifically mentioned Grand Theft Auto as a game that’s not allowed in their home.
“The music and the visuals in that [have] tons of explicit content,” explained Cooper, and online safety expert. “Some of the campaigns that you can do are terrible. You can literally sell cocaine to other people in the game.”
Another online safety expert simply listed, “the violence, the sexuality, the online exposure. I mean, what more do you need?”
Since 2013, Grand Theft Auto has produced a series of games that, on the positive side, include high-speed car racing, selecting unique and popular vehicles, and opportunities to crash cars. But, the content is much more involved.
The most recent release includes this storyline, “When a young street hustler, a retired bank robber, and a terrifying psychopath find themselves entangled with some of the most frightening and deranged elements of the criminal underworld, the U.S. government, and the entertainment industry, they must pull off a series of dangerous heists to survive in a ruthless city in which they can trust nobody — least of all each other.”
The game allows players to break into and steal cars, drive recklessly, and engage in other violent and gang-related activity.
Fortnite (Rated Teen)
Fortnite is a game that has become its own universe. More than 125 million players joined the game in less than a year. There are six different game mode versions to this game, all of which have the same goal—to be the last player standing.
“First off,” explained one online safety expert, “got to keep some money in my pocket.” She was referring to the in-game purchases that can quickly add up. “I know it’s like cute fun, but it’s low-key violence which I don’t want them having.”
As the game has grown in levels of creativity, there are now options for users to create their own scenarios, worlds, and battle arenas.
Parents have used caution with this game due to violence and the use of various weapons. With the creative elements in the newer versions of the games, there is no limit to the content (appropriate or inappropriate) that players are subject to.
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Video games weren’t the only thing banned by online safety experts.
