23, 2019, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received 338 complaints of crimes against children related to online gaming. The FBI has seen predators target children of all ages through online games made for various age groups. Predators also often threaten or otherwise coerce their victims to target younger children in the home who are not yet using the Internet or playing online games.Ĭhild predators continue to take advantage of the rapid growth of online gaming. They manipulate these relationships to groom and coerce children to send them sexually explicit images or videos, or to meet them in person for sexual purposes. These features allow predators to generate and nurture relationships. Some games include team play, or allow players to communicate through headsets, web cameras, and chat rooms. They often befriend children by giving them game tips or providing game currency. Predators may pose as friendly adults or age-appropriate peers to form relationships with potential victims. Online gaming also gives predators a logical topic to start a conversation with their intended victims: their common interest in the game. Children also tend to be trusting online and often befriend strangers of any age or sex. Online gaming is just one of many platforms used by child predators, in part because of its popularity. METHODOLOGYįBI investigations show that child predators seek out victims anywhere they think they can contact them. All games with communication features, including basic games, can be used by child predators. This includes games played through gaming consoles handheld gaming devices and applications on phones, tablets, or computers. The FBI defines online gaming as any game played while connected to the Internet. Parents and guardians-and their children-should know the risks posed by online gaming, the methods these predators use, how to keep children safe online, and what to do if their children are victimized or targeted. Some predators use online gaming to sexually exploit children. Child Predators Use Online Gaming to Contact Children
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