Are Roblox and Minecraft Safe? A Parent's Guide to Online Gaming
Kids everywhere are getting hooked on online games like Roblox and Minecraft. It’s common to see children glued to screens, building worlds, and playing with friends for hours. While these games can be fun and creative, parents need to keep a close watch. Too much gaming can harm a child’s health, mood, and schoolwork. Understanding these games and their effects is the first step to keeping your child safe and balanced.
shares her experience. “Dozens of kids, super addicted to gaming and faring poorly in academics, came for counselling, and it was one of the most challenging times as there was no prior work on it for any reference. Questions like what these games really are, and why kids get so addicted to them, and what are the interventions that can help were topmost on my mind.”
Both games can be great for learning and creativity. But they can also take over your child’s time and attention if not managed well.
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Nanda explains, “It’s not about ‘lack of discipline’ or ‘bad habits.’ It’s more about brain science, emotional need, and energetic pull, all playing out through a screen.”
But there’s a downside. As Nanda points out, “These kids start having very short attention span. Their brain becomes wired to jump from one high to the next. Slow, steady tasks like reading or just being feel boring.”
The answer isn’t simple. As Nanda says, “More than labelling the games, let’s look at how the child engages with them and what kind of environment they are growing up in.”
Both games have risks:
But with the right settings and guidance, both games can be safe. Here’s what parents can do:
Encourage your child to enjoy offline activities too like reading, sports, art, or just spending time outdoors. A study that parents may find helpful is from the American Journal of Open University Education. This research explored the benefits and risks of playing Roblox among high school students. It found that while Roblox can boost creativity and teamwork, too much gaming can lead to addiction, poor school performance, and mental health issues. The study also warned about risks like distraction, online predators, and spending too much money.
If you notice these signs, it’s time to step in. Nanda suggests, “Every generation needs a different kind of parenting to keep up with the times. So here too, the Parental Shift from being Controlling to Connection is needed.”
- Create family rituals that don’t involve screens.
- Listen to your child’s experiences before correcting them.
Conclusion
Roblox and Minecraft are not the enemy. They can be safe and fun if used wisely. The real key is balance and connection. Guide your child, set boundaries, and stay involved. Help them find joy both online and offline. In the end, your presence and understanding matter more than any rule.