in-game purchases

Kids worldwide are increasingly engaged in online games like Roblox and Minecraft, which can enhance creativity and social interaction but may also negatively impact health, emotional well-being, and academic performance if not managed properly. Roblox is a platform for user-generated games, while Minecraft allows players to build and explore in a pixelated world. Factors contributing to children's addiction to these games include vivid graphics, a sense of achievement, social connections, and emotional comfort. Excessive gaming can lead to a lack of interest in other activities, poor sleep, concentration difficulties, and emotional dependency. Both games pose risks such as interaction with strangers, exposure to inappropriate content, and potential financial implications from in-game purchases. Parents can mitigate these risks by enabling privacy controls, setting spending limits, monitoring game content, and discussing online safety with their children. Warning signs of excessive gaming include mood swings when screen time is limited, loss of interest in other hobbies, and excessive focus on gaming. Parents are encouraged to engage in conversations about gaming, seek offline activities, establish screen time limits, and create screen-free family traditions.