As children grow and develop into teenagers, the online world and the risks they face also evolve with them. While younger children are typically vulnerable to privacy threats or inappropriate content, older children face expanded risks as they age including gaming, pornography and sports betting. In our previous blog, we offered a general introduction to the broad range of risks that concern younger aged school children in the online world. In this follow up, we will take a closer look at one particular online activity that impacts the majority of teenage culture: online gaming. While playing online, connecting with multiple gamers through a single click and interacting with players from all over the world sounds great, it comes with risks and temptations that parents need to be made aware of.
For many teens, online gaming has become a significant part of their social and daily lives. In 2024, over 1000 teens between the ages of 13-17 were surveyed. The survey revealed that 85% played video games online, and 41% said they played them at least once a day (Pew Research Center, 2024). Experts who specialize in cyber security have established some simple steps for parents of teens to help them ensure a safe and positive experience for their child.
The Possible Risks of Online Gaming
Although online gaming carries potential risks for players of any age, teenagers have an increased likelihood of exposure to these risks due to their young age. Therefore, it is imperative for parents of teens to be informed about these potential risks. Researching and monitoring the games your teenager plays is extremely important to ensure their safety while still allowing them to have fun.
Kasperksy, a cybersecurity company that focuses on protecting individuals from cyber threats, identifies 5 potential dangers of the online gaming world (Kasperksy, n.d.). These include:
- Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying can come in different forms such as sending harmful or hurtful messages or making derogatory comments about the victims. Researchers found that almost half of the hour-long games included slurs, trash talking or disrupted play, and one-third of this harassment was identity based (Parents, 2025). Some players may even “grief” other players, which refers to when “players single you out specifically to make your gaming experience less enjoyable” (Get Safe Online, n.d.).
- Privacy
Sharing personal information online could allow cyber criminals to manipulate conversations (Hayes, n.d.), which then could escalate into asking more detailed personal information. By collecting further data, hackers may be able to create new digital identities in your child’s name.
- Online Predators
Some gamers have the intention of luring and grooming younger victims by creating a bond through online video games. Predators use the gaming environment to become the child’s defender and ally and eventually get more into their personal territory.
- Hidden Fees
Often, these games will require players to attach a credit card to their profile claiming a “freemium”, which is quite misleading as it means “some” content will be free. In reality, a “freemium” might end up charging the card whenever users purchase new in-game items, whether they realize it or not.
- Malware
Malware is a “malicious code that is intentionally included or inserted in a system for a harmful purpose” (Computer Security Resource Center, n.d.). Trojans, which are a “type of malware that downloads onto a computer disguised as a legitimate program” (Fortinet, n.d.), might use gaming marketplaces to upload the malicious versions to damage the computer system without the gamers knowledge.
Popular online gaming websites and what they look like
There are several online gaming platforms that have recently became popular among teenagers. Although many of the gaming platforms offer a variety of diverse experiences to their players, it is common to come across a blend of competition, creativity and social interaction with people from all over the globe. According to Redwan, Fortnight, Overwatch 2, Minecraft and Roblox were the most popular gaming websites among teens in 2024 (HONEYKIDS).
Steps to take to ensure your teens’ online safety
Whether you monitor your teens’ online activities closely or not, it is important to be informed about the risks of the online gaming world and consider taking simple safety precautions.
- Do not use names that reveal your teen’s personally identifiable information (PII), such as their age, real name or location.
- Create a strong password. This is the simplest way to protect personal information. It is important to ensure your password does not include any information that would be easy to guess.
- Set up a multi-factor authentication. This will ensure you have a second line of defense if someone is able to get into your account. (Kasperksy, n.d.)
- Utilize parental controls. Parental controls are another great way to ensure that your child can only access content that you pre-approved (Epic Games Safety and Security Center, n.d.). Parental controls allow parents to create age-restrictions for certain aspects of a game or prevent a child from downloading games that are not age-appropriate. This setting can also help create boundaries for your child by helping to block unwanted and inappropriate content.
Information is protection
As the online world becomes a part of a teenagers’ life, it is natural for parents to feel unsure about how involved they should be without overstepping. However, staying informed does not mean overstepping. Although parents want their teens to play and connect safely, the online gaming world comes with potential risks. Being informed gives parents the ability to protect, guide and support their kids. By learning about gaming platforms and understanding the possible risks, parents can actively help their teens to have safer experiences while online gaming. Utilizing tools such as parental controls, privacy settings and not disclosing any personal information online are all actions that parents can take as part of the process of teaching their teenagers about the all-important mission of keeping them safe while online gaming.
Pew Research Center. (2024). https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/05/09/teens and-video-games-today/
HONEYKIDS. (2024). https://honeykidsasia.com/what-video-games-are-teenagers-playing-right-now-in-singapore/
Parents.com. (n.d.) https://www.parents.com/teens-harassed-online-games-8774624
Kasperksy. (n.d.). https://no.kaspersky.com/resource-center/threats/top-seven-online gaming-dangers-and-risks-for-kids-and-teens
Get Safe Online. (n.d.). https://www.getsafeonline.org/personal/articles/online-gaming/
Taylor, M. (2025). Parents. https://www.parents.com/teens-harassed-online-games- 8774624
Hayes, E. J. (n.d.). Playing it Safe: Avoiding Online Gaming Risks https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/gaming.pdf
Computer Security Resource Center. (n.d.). https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/malware
Fortinet. https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/trojan-horse-virus
Bios
Ms. Alara Ilteralp is a student at Methodist University majoring in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science
Ms. Rebecca McGaughnea is a student at Methodist University majoring in Biology, Criminal Justice, and Forensic Science.
Ms. Olivia Toler is a student at Methodist University majoring in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science.
Dr. Eric See is the Division Head for Criminal Justice and Military Science and a Professor at Methodist University.
