Concerns are rising over the impact of online gaming on young children, with recent studies indicating a link to insomnia among toddlers. The game Grow a Garden, which has seen participation soar to 22 million simultaneous players, exemplifies this trend. Parents like Tijana Kljaic are determined to shield their children from the digital world, hoping to avoid potential negative effects.
Tijana Kljaic, a mother of a four-and-a-half-year-old named Sara, believes that proactive measures can help keep her daughter away from the allure of online games. “I will not allow it. That is how I am going to control it, and I will try and inform her what is good and what is not,” she stated. Kljaic emphasizes outdoor activities over screen time, asserting, “Our weekends are more outdoor, and weekends are zero screen at all.”
Understanding the Appeal of Online Gaming
The appeal of Grow a Garden lies in its simple yet engaging gameplay, designed specifically for young audiences. Marketed for children aged five and above, it has attracted a significant portion of its user base from those under 13 years old. Players cultivate virtual gardens using a fictional currency, which they can earn and spend without real monetary transactions. The game operates continuously, encouraging children to log in frequently, even during the night, to check on their gardens’ progress.
Researcher Faith Gordon from the Australian National University has highlighted alarming trends linked to this gaming phenomenon. Gordon, who specializes in studying online harm to children, notes that the game’s design can lead to sleep deprivation among young players. “There’s such an addictive element like seeds to purchase to grow in the garden,” she explained. Late-night updates and the availability of rare virtual seeds contribute to children staying online longer, even into the early hours.
Dr. Gordon’s interviews with hundreds of children reveal how the game’s mechanics foster late-night gaming habits. “Some rare seeds can be suddenly offered to players at any time of the day and night,” she added, illustrating the game’s design that keeps children engaged.
Risks Associated with Online Gaming
Beyond sleep disruption, online gaming platforms can expose children to potential dangers, including contact with strangers. While some games, such as Fortnite, have age restrictions and allow for private servers, the risks remain significant. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has noted that such platforms often facilitate online relationships and communication that can lead to grooming and exploitation.
Dr. Gordon emphasized the widespread risks associated with online gaming, stating that some games allow for easier access by malicious individuals. “In my research, grooming and predators targeted kids on Fortnite,” she said, reinforcing the need for vigilance among parents.
Moreover, children may experience pressure to make in-game purchases, often using their parents’ credit cards without permission. Dr. Gordon noted, “They turn the emotional screw on parents to buy in-game purchases with credit cards.” This dynamic illustrates how pervasive online gaming can affect family relationships and financial decisions.
Dr. Gordon’s insights will be featured in her keynote speech at an upcoming conference in Sri Lanka, where she aims to raise awareness about the implications of online gaming on child welfare.
Guidelines for Parents
To help mitigate the risks associated with online gaming, Dr. Gordon provides several recommendations for parents. These include:
- Start with open conversations: Engage in ongoing discussions about your child’s online activities and encourage them to share their experiences.
- Understand the digital world: Familiarize yourself with the platforms your child uses, as each carries unique risks.
- Set healthy boundaries: Collaborate with your child to establish reasonable screen time limits and promote offline activities.
- Model good digital behavior: Demonstrate responsible online practices and emphasize the importance of time away from screens.
- Teach critical digital literacy: Equip your child to critically assess online content, including advertising and data privacy.
- Recognize changes and address wellbeing: Monitor your child for signs of distress related to online interactions and encourage supportive offline friendships.
- Know where to get help: Be aware of local resources for reporting online harm and seek professional support if necessary.
The rise of online gaming has transformed children’s recreational activities, but it also poses significant challenges for parents and guardians. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, proactive measures will be essential in safeguarding the well-being of younger generations.
