Online Gaming and Virtual Communities

Quick Video: What is Roblox?

Roblox is an online gaming platform where the user makes and shares their own games with friends. Users can also play games made by others.

• Age Requirement: Roblox doesn't have a strict age minimum, but it does use different ratings for game content:
  • All Ages: Mild content, light fantasy violence.
  • 9+: May include more fantasy violence.
  • 13+: Contains more intense content and social interactions.
  • 17+: Mature content, requiring age verification.

The ratings primarily focus on violence and may not fully cover other areas like explicit content, drug use, or crude humor.

• There can be scams or pressure to buy Robux (in-game currency).  Let your child know that any offer of "free Robux" is a scam, do not click on the link!
• Safety Tip: Roblox’s chat features allow kids to connect with friends, but they also open the door to interactions with strangers - posing risks such as extortion. While language filters are in place, some users still manage to bypass them, exposing children to inappropriate content. To limit unmonitored interactions, Roblox now restricts users under 13 from accessing "Social Hangouts."
  What to do: With the right supervision and continuous, open communication, Roblox can be a positive experience for kids. When on a public server teach the online warning signs of inappropriate interactions, such as being asked to move the chat to a private chat or private account on other apps.

Resources:

• Helping families thrive on Roblox - Roblox
• Parents' Ultimate Guide to Roblox - Common Sense Media 

Quick Video: What is Fortnite?

Fortnite is an action-strategy game (cartoonish) with multiple game modes. There is a solo version called, "Save the World," where players are survivors of an apocalyptic storm that work together to defeat the zombies. There is also a multiplayer version called, "Battle Royale," allows up to 100 people to participate in a match together. Players are put in a game map and must compete to be the last one standing by killing every other player. 

• Safety Tip: You can manage permissions for friend requests, voice and text chat, content ratings, and filters for mature language. Parents and caregivers can also set up passwords for in-game spending. 

Resources:

• Help Center - Fortnite
• Parents' Ultimate Guide to Fortnite - Common Sense Media

Minecraft is more than just one game - it's a vast online world where players can create and explore. Unlike many other games, Minecraft doesn't come with detailed instructions. Instead, kids often learn by exploring on their own, experimenting with different ideas and watching tutorials or videos online.

• Something to Know: Minecraft’s multiplayer mode offers both text and voice chat, making it a fun way for kids to connect with friends. However, these features can also pose risks. Even though chat filters help block some inappropriate language, kids may still encounter issues - whether from strangers or even people they know - while interacting in the game.
• Safety Tip: Public servers pose the highest risk since children may interact with strangers. Supervised play is recommended for younger kids. It is also important to have conversations with children of all ages about online warning signs - watching out for inappropriate interactions such as being asked to move to a private chat or private account on other apps. 

Resources:

• Official Server List of Minecraft - Gamersafer
• Parents' Ultimate Guide to Minecraft - Common Sense Media

Quick Video: What is Discord? 

Discord lets people chat via text, voice or video in real time. Servers are the main communities on Discord, often focused on a single game or topic (TV series, music, and more). It can also be an easy-to-use group-chatting tool for friends. 

• Age Requirement: Users must be 13 years old but can enter false information to bypass this requirement. 
• Safety Tip: When it comes to sites and apps with open chat like Discord, the safest way to use them is to only accept friend requests and participate in private servers with people you already know (people you have met in-person).
  What to do: With the right supervision and continuous, open communication, Discord can be a positive experience for kids. If they are using a public server, be sure to talk to your children about online warning signs - watching out for inappropriate interactions such as being asked to move to a private chat or private account on other apps. 

Resources: 

• Family Center for Parents and Guardians - Discord
• Parents' Ultimate Guide to Discord - Common Sense Media