LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – For many children, logging on to play video games is a daily ritual. But these online worlds often open the door to communication with complete strangers.
Lieutenant Brady Cross with LPD encourages parents to look into this online activity and learn about the games their children are playing.
“I think sometimes as parents we get overwhelmed about new technology, whether it’s gaming or phones or apps, things that are new to us that we don’t understand,” Cross said. “Just because you don’t understand, is not a great reason to ignore it.”
Cross said predators often start in-game conversations innocently, building trust before moving to other messaging apps.
How predators communicate with children
“Whether it’s just texting or maybe Snapchat or some other way that is a secret way to communicate with a child or speaking in code or even emojis, things that parents might not tip them off automatically,” Cross said. “But it allows a way for a predator to groom a child and for them to connect with them and ultimately victimize them.”
He said parents can take immediate steps to protect their children, like setting restrictions on games or placing gaming consoles in common areas of the home.
“With Roblox in particular, you can limit your child’s ability to talk to the outside world, you can limit their ability to just talk to friends or not at all,” Cross said. “So, when kids use headsets, or maybe their game consoles are in the bedroom and not a public space, that creates concern because parents can’t hear what’s going on.”
Parents should research games and set boundaries
Cross said parents have the responsibility to research games and the power to say “no” to unknown games or contacts.
“It’s your job to research it or find out about it, or prohibit your kids from doing it, and I know that’s not an easy answer or makes you popular with your kids, but it’s okay to say no,” Cross said. “I guess the best piece of advice I can give you is it’s okay to upset your child and tell them no, and if you are intimidated by technology, don’t let that stop you from learning about it, because it could help you prevent your child from becoming a victim.”
Cross said parents who suspect any suspicious behavior should always file a report to local police.
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