The dark site of mobile gaming: 5 traps you need to understand to protect your children

Smartphone gaming has become a popular pastime for children, but it also comes with its own set of dangers. From in-app purchases to microtransactions, from advertisements to online predators, children can easily fall into traps that can negatively impact their lives. As a parent, it is important to be aware of these traps and take steps to protect your children.

In this article, I will explore five of the most common traps that children face when playing games on their smartphones and what you can do to protect them. Whether you are a seasoned parent or new to the world of smartphone gaming, I will provide you with everything you need to keep your children safe and secure while they play.

In-app purchases

Many smartphone games are free to download, but they often come with in-app purchases that can quickly add up. Children may not understand the true cost of these purchases and end up spending a lot of money without realizing it. Parents should consider setting up parental controls on their children’s devices to limit or block in-app purchases. However, it is important to approach the process in a smart and child-friendly way. You can try it this way:

1. Have a conversation with your child: Before setting up parental controls, talk to your child about the reasons why you are doing it. Explain that in-app purchases can quickly add up and lead to unexpected charges on your credit card. Encourage your child to understand the true cost of these purchases and to be mindful of their spending.
2. Choose the right device: Each smartphone has its own set of parental controls. Make sure you are familiar with the options available on your child’s device and choose the one that best fits your needs.
3. Set up a passcode: Many parental control options require a passcode to access. Make sure you choose a strong and unique passcode that your child cannot guess.
4. Limit or block in-app purchases: Once you have set up the parental controls, you can limit or block in-app purchases. Some devices may offer options such as requiring a password for each purchase, limiting the total amount that can be spent, or disabling purchases altogether. Choose the option that works best for you and your child. (Maybe you can also gradually remove the control, if your children show you that they are responsible with it?)
5. Monitor usage: Regularly check your child’s phone to ensure that the parental controls are working as expected. If you notice any unexpected charges, address them with your child and reinforce the importance of being mindful of spending.

Microtransactions

Microtransactions are small payments made within the game to unlock new levels, items, or abilities. They can seem harmless, but they can quickly add up and lead to children spending a lot of money without realizing it. Parents should talk to their children about the true cost of these transactions and encourage them to play games that don’t require them.

Here’s a small example of what the whole thing might look like in real life:

Imagine that you and your child are playing a free smartphone game together. The game is fun, and you can play for hours without getting bored. But, as you play, you will notice that there are opportunities to make in-game purchases to unlock new levels or items. Now, imagine that your child wants to make a microtransaction to get a cool new character or upgrade their weapon. They might say something like, “Mom, I really want to buy this, it is only 99 cents.”

At this point, you can explain to your child that 99 cents might not seem like a lot of money, but if they make a lot of microtransactions, those small amounts can quickly add up. For example, if they make 10 purchases of 99 cents, that’s already 9.90 dollars! You can also explain to your child that sometimes, the game designers make it difficult to stop spending money on microtransactions. For example, they might make it easy to click a button and buy something, but hard to cancel a purchase or find out how much money they’ve spent.

Finally, you can remind your child that the purpose of the game is to have fun, and that they can still enjoy it without making any purchases. Encourage them to be mindful of their spending and to think twice before making a microtransaction. By explaining the dangers of microtransactions in a real-life context, you can help your child understand why it is important to be careful with their spending in games and to be mindful of the true cost of these purchases.

Advertisements

Some smartphone games use advertisements to generate revenue. These advertisements can be distracting and annoying, but they can also be tempting to children who are curious about the products being advertised, making it important for parents to help their children understand the risks involved.

Here are some ways you can help (and they are not limited to smartphone gaming ads):

1. Explain the purpose of advertisements: Explain to your child that advertisements are designed to sell products or services and that they often use flashy images or tempting offers to get people to buy something. Emphasize that advertisements are not always accurate or trustworthy.
2. Discuss the difference between advertisements and reality: Show your child examples of advertisements that make unrealistic promises or claims. Explain that what is shown in the advertisements is not always what they will get in real life.
3. Teach critical thinking skills: Encourage your child to think critically about advertisements. Ask questions such as, “Is this too good to be true?” or “What is the advertisement trying to sell?” Encourage them to look for information outside of the advertisement to confirm the claims made. With young children, you can start by teaching them whether it is advertising or not.
4. Set clear expectations: Set clear expectations with your child about making purchases based on advertisements. Explain that they should always check with you before making any purchases and that you will help them determine whether a product is worth buying.
5. Use parental controls: Use parental controls to limit the number of advertisements your child sees or to block them altogether. This can help reduce the risk of your child being exposed to misleading or harmful advertisements. Since I’m a bit of a nerd, I use a Raspberry Pi to block ads completely on my home network. (If you want to learn more about the Pi-hole follow this link.)

Online predators

Some smartphone games allow players to communicate with each other, which can be a great way for children to make new friends. However, it also opens the door for online predators who may try to contact children and exploit them. Parents should educate their children about online safety and encourage them to never share personal information with strangers.

Because this problem, in the worst case, also involves physical dangers, it is especially important that you prepare your child for it. (Here is another link to an article from VPNOverview.com that I really liked. It gives even more and deeper info on the topic.)

This is how you could do it:

1. Educate your child on the dangers: Explain to your child the dangers of online predators, and the potential harm they can cause. Emphasize that they should never share personal information with strangers online.
2. Set clear boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with your child about what types of communication are appropriate while playing smartphone games. For example, they should never share personal information or engage in inappropriate conversations.
3. Teach them to be aware: Teach your child to be aware of their online interactions. Explain that if someone makes them feel uncomfortable, or if they receive an inappropriate message, they should tell you or an adult immediately.
4. Monitor their activity: Regularly monitor your child’s activity on smartphone games to ensure that they are communicating in a safe and appropriate manner. This can help you identify potential dangers and take action to protect your child.
5. Encourage open communication: Encourage open communication with your child about their online activities. Create an environment where they feel comfortable talking to you about anything they experience or witness while playing smartphone games. (I think this should basically be the basis for the relationship with your child.)

Addiction

Some children may become addicted to smartphone games and spend a lot of time playing them, neglecting other important activities such as school, homework, and physical exercise. Parents should set clear boundaries and encourage their children to balance their time between gaming and other activities.

I know from my own experience that these conversations can be very exhausting. But you can be very successful, if you internalize the following aspects:

1. Explain the concept of addiction: Explain to your child what addiction is and how it can affect their life. Discuss how excessive gaming can interfere with their normal daily activities and harm their health.
2. Set clear boundaries: Establish clear boundaries with your child about how much time they can spend playing smartphone games each day. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much time children should be allowed to play video games, as the amount of time will depend on the individual child’s age, interests, and overall lifestyle.

However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides the following guidelines for screen time for children:

• Children aged 2-5: No more than one hour of screen time per day.
• Children aged 6-12: No more than two hours of screen time per day.
• Children aged 13-18: No more than two hours of screen time per day, with the understanding that some screen time can be educational or for communication purposes.

It’s important to note that these guidelines are just that—guidelines. (In my opinion, the times given are much too long, much too long.) The key is to find a balance that works for your child, and to ensure that other important aspects of their life, such as physical activity, sleep, and socializing with friends and family, are also given adequate attention.

It’s also a good idea to limit gaming time during certain periods of the day, such as during homework time, mealtime, or bedtime, and to set a regular bedtime to ensure that children get enough sleep. Regularly monitoring and discussing your child’s gaming habits, and encouraging them to engage in a variety of activities, can help them develop a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle.

1. Encourage alternative activities: Encourage your child to engage in alternative activities, such as playing sports, reading, or pursuing a hobby. These activities can help your child develop a more well-rounded and healthier lifestyle.
2. Monitor usage: Regularly monitor your child’s gaming activity to ensure that they are not spending an excessive amount of time playing. If you notice that your child is spending too much time gaming, have an open and honest conversation with them about their usage.
3. Seek help if necessary: If you suspect that your child is struggling with addiction, seek help from a professional. They can help your child understand the risks of addiction and develop strategies to manage their gaming habits.

Starting a conversation with your child about the risks of addiction from smartphone games can be a challenging but important step in helping them develop a healthy relationship with technology. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Pick a good time: Choose a time when your child is relaxed and open to talking. Avoid starting the conversation when they are in the middle of playing a game or when they are feeling upset. (This applies to EVERYTHING you want to discuss with your children.)
• Be empathetic: Listen to your child’s perspective and try to understand their motivations for playing smartphone games. Show empathy and avoid being judgmental or critical.
• Use examples: Use real-life examples to help your child understand the dangers of addiction. Explain how excessive gaming can interfere with normal daily activities and harm their health.
• Ask questions: Ask your child questions about their gaming habits and experiences. This can help you understand their perspective and identify any potential issues.
• Lead by example: Demonstrate responsible technology use by setting a good example. Show your child that you value other activities, such as exercise, spending time with family, and completing work tasks. (And please do not just look at your cell phone when your children are around, otherwise this will be the normal behavior they learn from you.)
• Be patient: Be patient with your child and allow them time to process the information you’ve shared. Answer their questions and continue the conversation as needed.

Conclusion

Smartphone games can be a fun and entertaining way for children to pass the time, but they also come with some potential dangers that parents should be aware of. By educating their children about these gaming traps and setting clear boundaries, parents can help keep their children safe and ensure that they have a healthy relationship with technology.