By Silinganisiwe Ndlovu
In an age where digital engagement is as familiar to children as traditional play, the sinister consequences of online gaming are emerging with alarming frequency.
From a mother’s shocking manipulation of a 10 year old to harm a 2 months old infant in the depths of Roblox, to the tragic abduction and murder of a teenager following a seemingly innocent encounter in virtual spaces, the realities of gaming’s darker side are raising urgent questions about the safety of our children in an increasingly interconnected world.
Background
The prevalence of gaming among children continues to rise rapidly, becoming a global phenomenon that transcends cultural boundaries. As more children engage with online platforms that facilitate interaction and competition, nations across the globe are witnessing both the benefits and the potential perils of this trend. These digital worlds host billions of players; a global survey of internet audiences by Statista research department in 2025 revealed that 82,1% of internet users played video games on any device, the UNICEF report on protecting children in online gaming states that 9 in 10 children play online games worldwide.
In Africa, the gaming industry is growing with Nigeria having over 40% of the youth population actively participating in various gaming platforms. Likewise, South Africa has seen a booming gaming industry, especially among adolescents with 24% of South African Children playing age in-appropriate games. This boom is reflective of a broader global shift towards digital interaction, creating a vibrant yet potentially hazardous landscape for young minds.
Zimbabwe has not been spared from this phenomenon as gaming is rapidly gaining popularity which is mostly exacerbated by increasing access to mobile devices and the internet as well as the proliferation of gaming centres across the country, a vibrant community of young gamers has been drawn into thrilling digital adventures. While the country has not yet witnessed incidents as severe as those reported in the western world such as abductions and murder through digital grooming, there is an unmistakable undercurrent of concern. Local reports reveal that excessive screen time is becoming a prevalent issue, with so many children spending hours glued to their screens often exposed to violent content and in appropriate interactions online. The lure of virtual worlds is potent, and the risks inherent in digital interactions are a shadow that looms large. As the global gaming environment evolves the threat of children’s exposure to online predators and harmful content represents only part of the challenge. Gaming can also foster addictive behaviours and impact health, with many children struggling to balance their online lives with responsibilities in the real world. More so the possibility that Zimbabwean children could also become targets for online predators is not simply a fear it is an impending reality that demands immediate attention.
With the gaming landscape in Zimbabwe set to grow, it is essential to critically assess the need for protective measures and parental guidance to mitigate the risks that accompany this digital wave. The lessons learnt from the unfortunate incidents in the West serve as a grim reminder that without vigilance and proactive strategies, we may soon find ourselves grappling with similar challenges in our own backyards. Addressing the gaming phenomenon with a proactive approach is not just beneficial but necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the next generation.
The alarming incidents in the Western countries, where children have been manipulated, abducted, or groomed through online gaming platforms, serve as a stark reminder of the latent dangers that accompany this modern pastime. Yet, while these stories cast a shadow over the gaming community, it is crucial to recognize that gaming is not inherently detrimental. Moderate balanced online gaming brings a number of benefits to children such as the development of cognitive skills such as problem solving and memory, fostering creativity, and improving strategic thinking. However this balancing can only be successful if parents and guardians as the custodians of the children have a deep understanding of this digital platform, only then can they assist the children to negotiate this vibrant yet potentially hazardous landscape. It is against this background that this article will define online gaming, discuss its positive and negative effects on children and also give recommendations on how parents and guardians can support their children to balance the impact of gaming.
What is online gaming?
Online gaming refers to video games played partially or primarily through the internet or over any computer network. It can be played by a single player or several players. There are number of online games that are played by children but currently the most common ones are Roblox, Counter-strike 2, Valorant, Call of duty and many others.
The Positive Aspects of Gaming
Cognitive and Educational Development
One of the most significant benefits of gaming is its potential to enhance cognitive skills. Studies show that video games can improve problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking, logical planning, decision making and spatial awareness. For instance, researchers at Deakin University found that playing action video games noticeably improved participants’ visual attention and cognitive flexibility. Children engaged in complex games like Minecraft often demonstrate heightened creativity and planning skills as they build and explore vast worlds.
Social Skills
Socially, online gaming provides platforms to socialize with schoolmates, family members, or new peers form different locations. Multiplayer platforms like Fortnite and Call of Duty encourage teamwork and collaboration, as players must work together to achieve shared goals. This aspect of gaming can help children develop vital social skills and friendships that extend beyond the screen, which is particularly important in today’s increasingly digital world. An example of this is the rise of esports, where players from diverse backgrounds unite to compete. Tournaments are not just about winning but also about building community and camaraderie.
Learning Opportunities
Online gaming can also provide educational benefits, with numerous games designed specifically to enhance learning in math, science, and literacy. Games like Kerbal Space Program teach children about physics and engineering by providing hands-on realistic simulations where children build rockets and fly robots. This game intuitively teaches orbital mechanics, Newton’s laws of motion, structural engineering and aerospace design principles like center of mass, fuel management and aerodynamics. Games like American truck simulator can teach the adolescents the rules of the road where players get fines for speeding and crashing. It raises consciousness on things like speed limits and red lights. Playing games like Wordscape also promote vocabulary and spelling skills by challenging users to re arrange its limited set of letters into multiple words, reinforcing spelling patterns through repetition and crossword style puzzles. With the rise of “edutainment,” gaming has become a valuable tool in both formal education and home environments, making learning enjoyable.
Stress Relief and Emotional Benefits
In an increasingly stressful world, online gaming can serve as an effective escape for children. Many find solace in immersive stories where they can assume different roles, freeing themselves from real-life pressures. Furthermore, games often provide a safe space for emotional expression, allowing children to confront fears or stressors in a controlled setting. For example, the game Life Is Strange explores intense themes such as loss and change, providing players with a medium through which to reflect on their emotions and experiences. Games also provide a safe space for children to practice resilience, patience, boost self esteem and deal with failure.
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking:
Games often present complex problems that require innovative solutions. Titles such as Portal and The Legend of Zelda challenge players to think critically to progress through environmental puzzles nonlinear exploration, and experimental mechanics. Players must analyze their surroundings, utilize limited and apply trial and error to overcome obstacles, particularly in modern open world entries like Breath of the wild and tears of the kingdom, which encourages creative physics-based solutions. This kind of engagement helps children develop problem-solving skills that are valuable in real-life situations equipping them with tools to navigate challenges effectively.
While gaming offers numerous advantages, it also presents drawbacks that warrant consideration. Some of them are discussed below
Disadvantages of Gaming
Addiction and Excessive Screen Time:
One of the most significant drawbacks of gaming is the potential for addiction. Excessive gaming can lead to neglect of responsibilities, negatively impacting academic performance, relationships, and physical health. The World Health Organization has recognized gaming disorder as a mental health condition, highlighting the risks associated with overindulgence. WHO reported a rise in problematic social media use with rates increasing from 7% in 2018 to 2018 to 11% in 2022. Gaming disorder is recognized as a behavioral pattern where playing video games takes precedence over daily routines, essential selfcare, and personal responsibilities. It is characterized by loss of control over the frequency and duration of gaming, leading to significant negative consequences in personal, family, social and occupational areas of life.
Exposure to online grooming and predators
Online gaming exposes children to predators through immersive, unmoderated, and often anonymous social features that allow adults to disguise themselves and build trust. Predators use these platforms to groom children by offering in game gifts, sharing secrets, or posing as friends thus leading to blackmail, sextortion and in person kidnapping. Social features of games are often manipulated predators to build rapport with minors. This often involves pretending to be peer or using in game rewards and gifts to create a sense of trust or obligation. Such interactions often end up being moved from a moderated in game chat to private un-monitored messaging apps where oversight is more difficult. The children’s personal details such as location, school, daily routine can be disclosed, which increases safety risks. They may also encourage a child to keep their online friendship secret from parents or guardians distancing them from their reallife support systems. Once the predators have built a strong relationship with the child they escalate to requests for private photos or in person meetings which often lead to kidnapping and other dangers. As highlighted earlier many cases of child abduction and in some cases even murder have occurred this way.
Cyberbullying and Harassment
Children may experience, bullying, hate speech or harassment from others in multiplayer environments, which can negatively affect their health. In some instances bullies set up fake profiles in a bid to intimidate and ruin the game for their victims. Online bullying and harassment can create feelings of powerlessness, isolation and self consciousness. There has been reported instances where teenagers have committed suicide compelled by self harm challenges.
Exposure to inappropriate content
Many online games contain, or allow user-generated content that is, violent or sexually explicit which can desensitize players to aggression and normalize violent behavior. Studies have suggested a correlation between exposure to violent video games and increased aggression in children, although the extent and nature of this relationship remain contentious and not fully understood.
Financial Exploitation
Features like “loot boxes” or in game purchases can encourage gambling – like behavior, leading children to spend large amounts of real money.
Extended periods of gaming often lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which is associated with various health problems, including obesity, poor posture, and repetitive strain injuries. The lack of physical activity can have lasting effects on a child’s overall well-being.
Data Privacy and Security
Children may un-intentionally share personal information. A number of security threats arise such as fraudulent in game purchases, releasing of private information for example embarrassing photos, impersonation which may often lead to sending scam messages to other accounts, as well as manipulation of children to provide financial information. I
Recommendations for Balancing the Impact of Gaming
Limiting Screen Time:
Parents should establish clear boundaries for gaming hours and encourage regular breaks to prevent excessive screen time for example working together and agreeing on expectations such as designating phone free zones for example family eating areas, having screen free hours where all devices should be put away and encouraging teenagers to engage in other activities such as taking walks without phones.
Balanced Activities:
Promote a well-rounded lifestyle that incorporates both gaming and physical activities, such as sports, outdoor play, and family outings. Balancing gaming with other forms of recreation can prevent sedentary behavior and encourage social interaction outside of the digital realm.
Monitoring of Game Content and supervision of game play.
As a parents its important to be mindful of the games their children are playing. Utilizing rating systems and researching game content can ensure that children are engaging with age-appropriate, positive content. Game consoles and computers should be kept in shared family areas as this allows for easier monitoring of interactions and screen time. Engaging in discussions about the themes and messages of games can also help mitigate adverse effects. Parents should know who their children play with online and encourage them to connect with friends they know in real life. Children also need to be taught that online personas may not reflect a person’s true identity and to explain the importance of never sharing personal information. Parents can also activate parental controls and safety family apps to monitor in app game conversations over text and voice and give warning if the child is being harassed or targeted.
Open communication
Parents should also establish a relationship with their children that makes children comfortable to report uncomfortable or strange interactions without fear of losing their gaming privileges. Parents should be able to talk to their children about in appropriate content, and set clear boundaries about what’s allowed. Parents can also limit children’s access to specific sites, apps, and games on their smartphones and computers.
Education on Responsible Gaming:
Educate children about both the dangers and the benefits associated with gaming. Children need to be taught and be aware how predators can lure and manipulate them through online games. Open conversations about the dangers of gaming can raise the children’s level of awareness. Parents can also encourage their children to read blogs and watch videos about how scams work so that they can spot the warning signs of phishing and know not to open links or attachments. Parents can explain how games are intentionally designed to be engaging or addictive. This will go a long way in making children understand their own gaming habits. Children can also be encouraged to reflect on how gaming makes them feel and whether it affects their mood or academic performance.
Being a Role Model as a parent:
Adults should model healthy gaming habits and demonstrate a balanced approach to screen time. By engaging in gaming and other activities together, parents can foster a supportive environment that encourages healthy habits. Parents can also encourage their children to play games that promote learning, problem solving and critical thinking alongside leisure games. Parents can also encourage the exploration of other hobbies and interests outside of gaming (e.g. reading, arts, sports) so as to promote a well-rounded lifestyle.
Observation of behavior and academic performance
It is important to watch for behavior changes, mood, academic performance. If there are indications that gaming is becoming detrimental to academic performance limits and content should be re assessed. In cases where gaming is observed to be resulting in such issues as aggression, anxiety and social withdrawal a specialist such as a child psychologist or counselor can be consulted.
In light of this discussion Gaming can be a powerful tool for cognitive development, social engagement, and escapism. However, the negative consequences associated with excessive gaming and exposure to violent content must be acknowledged. Striking a balance between the benefits and risks of gaming is essential to maximize its advantages while minimizing its drawbacks. Through structured guidelines, education, and open communication, both parents and children can create a positive gaming environment that supports healthy development. By fostering responsible gaming habits, we can enjoy the benefits of this dynamic medium while mitigating its potential harms.