Rocket League safety how to help keep children safer while playing

Hey there, parents!

Have you heard about Rocket League?

Maybe your child has mentioned something about rocket-powered cars playing soccer, and you’re wondering what on earth they’re talking 😊 .

Don’t worry—we’re here to explain everything you need to know about this wildly popular game and, more importantly, how to keep your young gamer safe while they enjoy it.

Let’s buckle up and dive in!

What Is Rocket League?

Rocket League is like soccer but with rocket-powered cars instead of players. Imagine fast-paced matches where players zoom, flip, and even fly around an arena to hit a giant ball into the opponent’s goal.

Sounds chaotic? It is. And kids love it.

With various modes like 1v1, 2v2, or the standard 3v3, it offers something for everyone, whether they’re a casual player or aiming to become the next gaming superstar!. Plus, the ability to customize cars with fun designs and accessories adds an extra layer of excitement.

Why Is Rocket League So Popular?

It’s easy to pick up. Your child can have fun from their very first match. But mastering the skills needed for fancy aerial shots or epic saves takes time and practice.

The game’s social element is another big draw. Children can play with friends, form teams, and even compete in tournaments. It’s an exciting way for them to connect with others, whether they’re teaming up or squaring off in a friendly rivalry.

What Parents Need to Know

As fun as Rocket League is, it’s still an online game – and that means there are some risks and challenges to be aware of. Here are the key things you need to know:

1. Bullying and Trolling

Rocket League’s competitive nature can sometimes bring out reckless and harmful behaviour in players. Trolling ie sending rude or sarcastic messages to annoy others isn’t uncommon. For instance, players might spam ’nice shot!’ when someone misses a goal.

Kids adrenaline soars amid the excitement of this competitive environment and this can bring out impulsive ‘banter’ which can veer into the hurtful.

While this behaviour can be frustrating, encourage your child not to take it personally. The game has tools to help manage this, like muting or blocking other players. Players can also report toxic behaviour, and repeat offenders face consequences, from temporary bans to permanent ones.

2. Voice Chat

Rocket League features a voice chat option across all platforms. While this can help teammates communicate, it also exposes players to the risk of hearing inappropriate language, goading or toxic comments.

Here’s the catch: voice chat is enabled by default. But to protect your child, you can turn off voice chat in the game settings. Instead, encourage them to stick to the game’s Quick Chat presets or play with friends they know in real life, who may be more inclined to keep it ‘friendly’.

3. In-Game Spending

Rocket League might be free to play, but it’s packed with tempting in-game purchases. From flashy car designs to exclusive bundles, Epic Games knows how to make premium items irresistible.  Especially when kids see their friends showing off cool customisations.

To avoid unplanned purchases, set up spending limits or disable transactions entirely through parental controls. Use this as an opportunity to talk to your child about budgeting and distinguishing between wants and needs – even in the digital world.

Parental Controls and Safety Features

The good news is that Rocket League includes some handy parental controls. You can:

• Limit in-game spending: Set caps or block purchases entirely.
• Control social interactions: Adjust settings to manage who can contact your child or play with them.
• Mute chat features: Disable text and voice chat if needed.

These controls are easy to set up and can give you peace of mind while your child enjoys the game.

A Balanced Approach

Rocket League is exciting, fast-paced, and packed with fun – but like any online game, it’s important to strike a balance. Here’s how you can help your child enjoy the game safely and responsibly:

• Be Involved: Spend some time watching or even playing the game with your child. It’s a great way to bond and understand what they love about it.
• Discuss Sportsmanship: Remind them that it’s not just about winning -it’s about having fun and being respectful to your opponents.
• Encourage Breaks: Gaming marathons aren’t great for anyone. Make sure they’re stepping away from the screen to stretch, hydrate, eat and get some fresh air.

The Bottom Line

It’s important that Children understand not to reveal their names or age online especially in video games. Making sure the profile is not using any personal information is also important.

Rocket League can be a fun game that offers a great mix of excitement and teamwork. With the right boundaries and safety measures in place, your child can enjoy this game while staying safe from the risks of online gaming.

As always, stay curious, stay involved, and keep the lines of communication open. If you’ve got any questions or concerns, let us know. We’re here to help!

Stay Safe Online

Wayne

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