Is Among Us App Safe for Kids? A Parent’s Guide
Introduction
Online gaming has exploded in popularity, with games like Among Us becoming household favorites among kids and teens. Developed by InnerSloth, Among Us reported over 500 million monthly active users in 2023, reflecting its massive appeal. However, with its social gameplay and interactions, parents often wonder: Is Among Us safe for kids?
Parental guidance plays a crucial role in navigating online gaming, ensuring kids have a fun yet secure experience. Tools like Mobicip, a leading parental control app, can help parents monitor and manage their child’s digital activities. This guide will explore the risks of Among Us, its built-in safety features, and actionable tips for creating a safe gaming environment for your child.
What is Among us?
Among Us is a multiplayer online game where players take on one of two roles: Crewmate or Impostor. The crewmates complete tasks while trying to identify the impostor(s), who sabotage the mission and eliminate crewmates. It’s a game of strategy, deception, and teamwork.
Why is Among Us so popular?
- Social Interaction: Players communicate and strategize together, making the game highly engaging.
- Cross-Platform Access: Available on mobile, PC, and consoles, the game is accessible to a broad audience.
- Simple Gameplay: The mechanics are easy to understand, yet the gameplay is challenging and fun.
Despite its charm, the social aspect introduces risks that parents should be aware of.
Age Rating and Content Descriptors
Among Us is rated E10+ (Everyone 10+) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The game includes descriptors like Fantasy Violence and Mild Blood. Here’s what this means:
- Fantasy Violence: Cartoonish depictions of characters being “ejected” or “eliminated” with no realistic gore.
- Mild Blood: Small blood splatters appear when a character is eliminated.
While the content is relatively mild, the social interactions in public games can expose kids to inappropriate language or behavior, raising concerns for parents
Potential Risks for Kids
Among Us, like many online games, comes with certain risks:
1. Exposure to Inappropriate Language and Behavior
The game’s chat feature can expose children to offensive language, cyberbullying, or other harmful interactions, especially in public lobbies.
2. Interaction with Strangers
Public games allow interaction with strangers, which can lead to risks like inappropriate messages or online predators.
3. In-Game Purchases
Among Us offers in-game purchases for cosmetic items. Without proper oversight, kids may accidentally spend money.
4. Psychological Effects
The game’s focus on deception and conflict can sometimes confuse or upset younger players, especially if they don’t understand the mechanics fully.
According to Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychologist and author of iGen, “Excessive exposure to unmoderated social spaces can have lasting effects on a child’s social and emotional development.”
Parental Controls and Safety Features
Among Us includes several safety features that help parents create a secure gaming experience:
1. Age Verification and Chat Restrictions
Players under 13 must receive parental consent to access certain features. Additionally, the Quick Chat Mode restricts communication to pre-set messages, reducing exposure to inappropriate language.
2. Censor Chat Feature
Enabling “Censor Chat” blocks offensive words in text chat. This is a simple yet effective way to filter harmful content.
3. Private Games and Invite Codes
Parents can guide kids to play in private lobbies with friends, using unique invite codes to prevent strangers from joining.
4. Monitoring with Mobicip
Mobicip provides additional parental controls, including:
These tools, combined with built-in safety features, offer multiple layers of protection.
Tips for Parents
To ensure your child has a safe and enjoyable experience with Among Us, follow these tips:
1. Play Together
Spend time playing the game with your child. This not only allows you to supervise but also helps build trust and understanding.
2. Set Time Limits
Gaming should be balanced with other activities. Use tools like Mobicip to set reasonable screen time limits.
3. Encourage Open Communication
Create an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing any issues or concerns they encounter while playing.
4. Use Built-In Safety Features
Activate the Censor Chat and guide younger kids to use the Quick Chat Mode or private games.
5. Monitor In-Game Purchases
Disable in-app purchases or set up approval requirements to prevent accidental spending.
FAQs
Is Among Us safe for 8-year-olds?
While the content is mild, the social aspect introduces risks. For younger kids, it’s best to restrict them to private games with friends and enable safety features like Censor Chat and Quick Chat Mode.
Can kids play Among Us without chat?
Yes. The Quick Chat Mode allows players to communicate using pre-set messages, eliminating the need for free-text chat.
How can I block inappropriate content in Among Us?
Activate the “Censor Chat” option and use parental control tools like Mobicip to monitor and block harmful content or interactions.
CONCLUSION
Among Us is an engaging and entertaining game that can be enjoyed safely with the right precautions. By leveraging the game’s built-in safety features, setting boundaries, and using tools like Mobicip, parents can create a secure environment for their children to play and connect with friends.
Ultimately, staying involved in your child’s digital life is the best way to ensure they thrive in a connected world. As Dr. Timothy Jay famously said, “Children absorb everything around them. It’s up to us to create a nurturing and safe environment for their growth.”
For more resources on parental controls and online safety, visit Mobicip or check out guides on child internet safety and digital parenting tips on our blog.
