Caught in the Net: Safeguarding Children from the Allure of Online Games

A recent surge in online gaming addiction cases among minors has raised concerns across India. Three recent separate incidents highlight the devastating consequences of unchecked gaming habits.

A few days ago in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, a 14-year-old boy and his 13-year-old brother depleted their parents' savings of Rs 6.5 lakh on online games. The boys used their mother's cellphone for "online studies" and spent four months playing games that promised quick rewards. Initially, they won small sums, but as losses mounted, they tapped into their parents' accounts. The brothers created UPI IDs using their parents' mobile numbers, transferring Rs 4.2 lakh from their father's account and Rs 2.39 lakh from their mother's.

In the first week of October in Hyderabad, a family of three – Suresh (53), Hemalatha (45) and their son Harish – took their own lives due to mounting debts from online gambling. Harish's addiction led him to borrow from villagers to place bets, accumulating massive losses of Rs 18 lakh.

Meanwhile, in Kushinagar , Uttar Pradesh in September, a Class 7 student drained Rs 5 lakh from his parents' bank accounts to progress in an online game. The scammer, Prakash Mehrana, promised lucrative rewards and game progress in exchange for funds.

Law enforcement agencies are investigating these cases. Police officials say that they will examine potential enticement of minors by gaming platforms and ensure strict action against those responsible.

The police are also urging parents to be vigilant and report suspicious activities. In the Kushinagar case, the police have registered an FIR against Prakash Mehrana and are tracking his movements to recover the lost funds.

These incidents highlight the need for increased awareness and regulation of online gaming platforms targeting minors. The government and experts are working together to address this growing concern.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the threat of online exploitation targeting children has reached alarming proportions. One of the most insidious and disturbing trends is the proliferation of online games designed to siphon off money from unsuspecting youngsters' accounts. It's high time for parents, policymakers, and the gaming industry to join forces and ensure our children's safety in the digital realm.

Online gaming has become an integral part of modern childhood, offering entertainment, socialization, and cognitive development. However, amidst the fun and engagement, malicious operators have found ways to exploit children's vulnerability. Games with enticing rewards, in-game purchases, and subscription models can quickly lead to financial haemorrhaging, often without parents' knowledge or consent.

Dark Side of Influence

The allure of easy money and fame has led social media influencers down a disturbing path: promoting online games that prey on vulnerable minors and youngsters. These games, designed with addictive mechanics and exploitative monetization models, are being touted as harmless entertainment by influencers eager to cash in.

Social media influencers, with millions of followers, are promoting online games that encourage reckless spending, foster addiction, compromise data security, and exploit children's vulnerability. These games use psychological manipulation and deceptive tactics to extract money from players.

The impact on young minds is devastating. Children spend their life savings or parents' money without understanding the consequences, leading to financial exploitation. Games designed to keep players hooked lead to mental health issues, social isolation, and decreased academic performance. Moreover, personal information and sensitive data are compromised, exposing minors to online predators.

Influencers tout these games as "fun" and "exciting" while ignoring their exploitative nature, failing to disclose sponsorship deals, and misrepresenting the games' true costs. This hypocrisy is alarming.

Social media influencers have a responsibility to their audience, particularly vulnerable youth and minors. Promoting exploitative online games for cash prizes is unacceptable. We must hold influencers accountable and demand a safer online environment.

The rise of online gaming has brought with it many menaces:

When children engage in online gambling, their accounts, or those of their parents, are drained, causing financial hardship. The emotional toll is equally alarming, with children often feeling guilty, ashamed or anxious about their actions. Moreover, the addictive nature of these games can harm mental health, undermining a child's well-being and happiness.

Education plays a critical role. Children must be taught about online safety, responsible spending, and the risks associated with predatory games. Parents should engage in open conversations with their children, fostering a culture of digital awareness. Ultimately, parents are the first line of defense. Vigilance is key; monitoring online activities and engaging with children about online safety can prevent harm.

Here are a few points to help our children stay safe from online games and gambling:

1. Education: Teach children about the risks associated with online gaming and gambling.

2. Parental Controls: Use parental control software to limit access to inappropriate games and gambling sites.

3. Open Communication: Encourage open discussions about online activities and any concerns children might have.

4. Time Management: Set strict time limits for gaming to prevent excessive use.

5. Balanced Activities: Promote a balance of offline activities, such as sports and hobbies.

6. Critical Thinking: Encourage critical thinking about advertisements and in-game purchases.

7. Awareness of Scams: Educate children about online scams and how to recognize them.

8. Safe Online Spaces: Guide children towards safe and age-appropriate gaming platforms.

9. Encourage Hobbies: Introduce alternative hobbies that can replace excessive gaming.

10. Set Examples: Model healthy gaming habits as parents or guardians.

11. Community Programmes: Participate in community programmes that promote healthy family and societal relationship.

12. Discussion of Values: Discuss the values of responsibility and moderation in gaming.

13. Game Selection: Help children choose games that have positive content and educational value.

14. Monitor Interactions: Keep an eye on who children interact with online.

15. Reporting Mechanisms: Teach children how to report inappropriate behaviour in games.

16. Regular Check-Ins: Regularly check in on children’s gaming habits and preferences.

17. Teach Privacy: Instruct children on the importance of not sharing personal information online.

18. Encourage Team Sports: Promote involvement in team sports or group activities outside of gaming.

19. Promote Reading: Encourage reading as a fun and engaging alternative to screen time.

20. Seek Professional Help: If gaming or gambling becomes problematic, consider seeking professional advice.

Implementing these strategies can help safeguard children from the potential harms of online games and gambling. Protecting children from online games requires immediate action. Their financial security, emotional well-being, and digital innocence depend on it. We must work together to safeguard the future of our children. By taking collective responsibility, we can create a safer online environment, shielding children from the devastating consequences of online games and gambling and ensuring their digital childhood remains innocent and joyful.

By  Fr. Suresh Mathew

(This was originally published in the New Leader magazine.)