I will always remember the first time I heard about the dangers of child sexual abuse while playing games online. I was listening to members of the FBI discuss cases of sextortion. Having just bought my nephew a gift card for gaming, I was very alarmed — and upset that perpetrators had figured out yet another way to exploit children.
When I speak to parents about it, many yearn for the days when they were young — and children in their bedrooms, alone with a book, game or toy were safe. That is no longer the case, and parents need to understand the dangers that come with online gaming to protect their children.
Statistics show that 70% of families have one child who plays video games online. And, that children aged two and up play on gaming devices, desktops, laptops, or mobile devices. The train has left the station, and parents need to catch up. While gaming can enhance social interaction for some children, it also enhances risks for sexual predators to contact them.