10 Shocking Games Your Kids Are Secretly Playing – #7 Will Make Your Jaw Drop!

Online safety specialists from Gabb have identified the top video games they would prohibit their children from playing.

Surprisingly, the list includes several hugely popular games enjoyed by millions of children daily. Among the games mentioned by the experts were Roblox, Grand Theft Auto (GTA), and Fortnite.

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A recurring issue across these games is the use of largely unmoderated communication, exposing players to inappropriate content and increasing vulnerability to scams or exploitation. However, each game also presents its own unique set of concerns.

Roblox stands out as particularly problematic, facing numerous legal challenges ranging from alleged child labor law violations to facilitating underage gambling. Moreover, the platform has been infiltrated by predators creating explicit content, further compromising children’s safety. These issues have led to Roblox being repeatedly listed on the National Center on Sexual Exploitation’s Dirty Dozen list, including in 2024.

GTA presents similar challenges, with adult-oriented content like strip clubs and prostitution directly integrated into the game by developers. It’s also extremely violent, with storylines centered around characters rising through the ranks of criminal organizations through various violent acts.

Fortnite, while less overtly mature, still raises concerns due to its battle royale format where the goal is to eliminate all other players. Additionally, some character designs have been criticized for being overly sexualized.

A common thread among these games is their highly addictive nature, contributing to their massive daily player bases. They also often employ aggressive monetization tactics targeting younger users. In Roblox and GTA, paid content can offer gameplay advantages, while Fortnite focuses on cosmetic but enticing purchases.

Parents face additional challenges in regulating exposure to these games, as even if children aren’t playing directly, there’s an abundance of related content on YouTube and streaming platforms that can pose similar risks.

The warnings from Gabb’s experts are well-founded, and parents should exercise great caution when deciding whether to allow their children to engage with these games.

Familyguide previously reported on the potential negative impacts of Fortnite:

A comprehensive article in Daily Mail UK highlights mothers across London noticing significant behavioral changes in their children, with the popular video game Fortnite appearing to be the primary cause.

One extreme case involved a nine-year-old girl requiring rehabilitation after being found playing the game in the middle of the night, neglecting basic needs due to her intense focus on the game.

Another instance saw a fifteen-year-old boy hospitalized, with Fortnite leaving him unable to attend school for a year and requiring vitamin D supplements due to lack of sunlight exposure.

One mother described her son’s transformation, saying, “He was such a lovely boy, but this game has turned him into a nightmare.”

The game’s premise of survival and its competitive nature, combined with online multiplayer features, contribute to its addictive qualities and potential for negative impacts on young players.