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. 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. 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.
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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. Online gaming refers to video games played partially or primarily through the internet or over any computer network. 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.
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. 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.
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