Safe Tech Workers Share Apps And Games They Never Let Their Kids Play

Let’s be real: the world of apps and video games has gotten wild. And for modern parents, keeping up with what’s safe for kids can feel like a full-time job.

So when online safety experts from @gabbwirelessofficial on TikTok dropped their list of apps and games they’d never let their kids play, we took notes. Ready for some eye-openers? Here’s the scoop.

Grand Theft Auto

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First up, two experts gave a hard “no” to Grand Theft Auto (GTA). Sure, it’s iconic, but between the carjacking, criminal activity, and “what did that character just say?!” moments, it’s not exactly kid-friendly.

Roblox

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Three experts pointed fingers directly at Roblox. While it seems harmless with its blocky characters and bright colors, the open-world format makes it a free-for-all for both kids and adults — some of whom you definitely don’t want your kids chatting with.

The creator of the video elaborated in the comment section about why Roblox is potentially dangerous.

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“Unfortunately, the app markets to kids but is nothing but a breeding ground for predators and exposes users to mature content,” they penned.

Fortnite

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Another game flagged was Fortnite. An expert said the constant combat and in-game purchases (looking at you, V-Bucks) make it a dangerous mix for kids. Plus, the amount of time kids can spend glued to it is next level.

“The chat feature is one of the main dangers, amongst others,” the original poster sounded off in the comments.

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It’s safe to say that any game that allows children to chat with strangers of all ages is risky.

Discord

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Okay, so Discord isn’t a game, but one expert said they wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot pole when it comes to their kids. Why? Because it’s a platform where chat rooms and messages can get dicey fast, with predators lurking in plain sight. Stranger danger!

One TikTok user said it best: “I honestly expected them all to say Roblox.”

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Same! With its popularity, many parents are still unaware of how risky it can be. It’s a whole problem between inappropriate content and unregulated chat features.

“Even with parental controls, Fortnite and Roblox terrify me… I’ve seen the other kids and creeps saying awful things.” another chimed in.

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“I feel so validated,” one parent shared. Even with parental controls, the unpredictability of Fortnite and Roblox leaves many parents on edge. Whether it’s creepy strangers or kids saying awful things, sometimes it’s not worth the risk.

“I let my kids play Roblox,” someone admitted.

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One brave soul confessed they let their kids play Roblox — but with a long list of rules. No chatting with strangers, no friending randoms, and parental supervision at all times.

“We had a kid meet a grown up from Roblox and literally got kidnapped in our city,” one TikTok user shared.

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In one chilling comment, someone revealed how a child in their city met an adult on Roblox and was kidnapped. Yep, you read that right. Needless to say, this parent put their foot down and banned Roblox from the house.

“[Roblox] has the most predatory monetization model I’ve ever seen,” wrote another.

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Let’s talk about in-game purchases. With endless microtransactions, kids can unknowingly rack up a serious bill on their parents’ credit cards.

“I allow my kids to play Roblox but I have parental controls where they can’t chat with strangers,” one person shared.

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“They’re not allowed to even friend anyone I don’t know, and I play with them sometimes,” they added.

“[I’m] surprised by GTA only because I thought we all knew that wasn’t for kids?!” someone weighed in.

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I mean, the entire premise of the game is far from child-friendly, much less the actual content and dialogue. But common sense is not always common, I’m afraid.

Every family has different rules about gaming, but these experts — and TikTok commenters —clearly indicate that some apps and games should be accompanied by serious caution tape.

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Next time your kid asks to download a new game, maybe think twice — or at least have some strict ground rules ready!

Last Updated on September 24, 2024 by Sarah Kester