Global News- Warning parents about the dangers of online gaming

Summary

The interview highlights the growing risks of online predators using popular games like Fortnite to target children. Tiana Sharifi, the founder of Sexual Exploitation Education, explains how predators build relationships with kids through in-game chats, offering rewards and moving to other platforms like Snapchat. Parents are advised to understand the risks associated with any online connection and to look out for warning signs such as requests for personal information or inappropriate photos. Sharifi emphasizes the importance of open conversations with children and provides resources for parents to better educate themselves and protect their kids.

Takeaways

• 😀 Parents need to be aware that online gaming platforms like Fortnite are increasingly being used by predators to target children.
• 😀 The risks of online gaming are often overlooked by parents who focus more on social media platforms as the primary concern.
• 😀 Online games often have chat platforms and ways for strangers to interact with children, increasing the risk of predation.
• 😀 Both boys and girls are being targeted by online predators, showing that the risk is not gender-specific.
• 😀 Predators build relationships with children by asking for personal information, which they later use to manipulate or exploit them.
• 😀 Children are often moved from gaming platforms like Fortnite or Roblox to other platforms (e.g., Facebook, Snapchat) where it’s easier to exchange photos and personal data.
• 😀 The tactic predators use is more about seduction and grooming rather than deception, making it harder for kids to recognize the danger.
• 😀 Predators often offer rewards or in-game gifts (like free tokens) to children, luring them into providing inappropriate content or agreeing to meet in person.
• 😀 Parents should have open conversations with their children about the warning signs of predation, like requests for personal information or inappropriate photos.
• 😀 Sexual exploitation education is essential, and parents can find resources online through organizations like Sexual Exploitation Education to better understand and protect their children from these risks.
• 😀 Parents should be proactive in educating their children about the risks of connecting with strangers online and encourage them to report any suspicious interactions immediately.

Q & A

What are the primary concerns parents face with online gaming today?

Parents are increasingly concerned about cyberbullying and the risks posed by predators who use popular games like Fortnite to target children. The rise of online platforms within games has created new risks that parents may not be fully aware of.

Why is the risk of predators in online games worse than ever before?

The risk has worsened due to the expansion of online platforms within games. While parents are familiar with risks in social media apps, they often don't realize that games like Fortnite also allow strangers to interact with children through in-game chat features, raising the potential for predators to connect with kids.

How do predators typically approach children in online games like Fortnite?

Predators often use a tactic of seduction rather than deception. They build relationships with kids by getting to know them through the game, slowly gathering personal information. This helps them gain trust and move the conversation to another platform where they can request inappropriate content or meet in person.

What platforms do predators typically move to after starting the interaction on gaming platforms like Fortnite?

Predators often transition from gaming platforms like Fortnite or Roblox to social media platforms like Facebook or Snapchat. These platforms make it easier to exchange personal information, photos, and to deepen the connection.

How do predators incentivize children to continue interacting with them?

Predators often offer gifts such as free in-game tokens or rewards, which can create a sense of obligation or trust in the child. Over time, this may lead to requests for inappropriate photos or meetings in person.

What should parents be particularly aware of regarding online interactions?

Parents should be aware that any online connection poses a risk, especially when children interact with strangers. The game itself is not necessarily dangerous, but the ability to connect with unknown people raises significant concerns.

What warning signs should parents discuss with their children?

Parents should teach their children to recognize warning signs, such as requests for personal information, inappropriate photos, or suggestions to move the conversation to another platform. These are red flags that should prompt the child to speak to a parent.

How can parents educate themselves about the risks of sexual exploitation in online gaming?

Parents can visit websites like Sexual Exploitation Education, which offers resources and training on recognizing and preventing sexual exploitation. This organization provides educational materials for parents, schools, and service providers across different communities.

What role does Sexual Exploitation Education play in helping parents and communities?

Sexual Exploitation Education offers training and resources to educate youth, parents, schools, and social service providers about the dangers of sexual exploitation. They provide education to communities across various regions to help raise awareness and prevent exploitation.

What should parents do if they suspect their child is being targeted by a predator online?

If parents suspect their child is being targeted, they should have open conversations with their child about any suspicious interactions. Children should feel safe to report if someone asks for inappropriate content or tries to move the conversation to another platform. Parents should also seek out resources and support from organizations like Sexual Exploitation Education.