CLASH OF CLANS
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MINIMUM AGE: 7+
WHAT IS IT? Clash of Clans is a strategy game that involves building settlements and resources, while defending villagers from opponents such as trolls and goblins, with swords. WHAT WE SAY: Safe, but discuss safety tips with children. ✅ POSITIVE THEMES
⚠️ KEY CONCERNS 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content While the game is mostly mild, global chat (when available) and clan chats can sometimes include inappropriate language or mature conversations, especially in less-moderated clans. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Players can share personal information in clan chats or usernames. Some may unknowingly give away personal details without realising the risks. 💬 Direct Messaging Clash of Clans allows direct communication through in-game chat. Players, especially younger ones, can easily be contacted by strangers by DM. Direct messaging opens up risks for sharing personal details that can be misused. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming Although less common than in voice-based games, predators may still use clan chats to initiate contact and gradually build trust with younger players. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Negative interactions may occur within clans, especially if performance is criticised. Players may be excluded, mocked, or pressured by others. 🎮 Game Concerns Though non-graphic, the game is war-themed, promoting destruction of enemy villages, which some parents may find unsuitable for younger kids. 💸 Financial Risks The game includes in-app purchases, microtransactions for in-game items or advantages, which can lead to unintended or excessive spending, especially for younger players. 🔓 Scams & Account Theft Fake gem offers, phishing attempts, and unofficial trading can lead to players sharing login info, risking account theft or financial loss. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the game Familiarise yourself with the games features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 👨👧Parental supervision Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. 💸Limit In-App Purchases Set spending limits or disable in-app purchases on your device to avoid accidental or excessive spending. 🚨Avoid Unofficial Downloads Stick to downloading the game from official sources (like the App Store or Google Play) to avoid malware, data breaches, or compromised versions. 📢Underage Accounts This game might have an age restriction but it lacks a proper age verification process. Therefore, there’s little stopping users from faking their dates of birth or creating bogus profiles and targeting children and young people. 👥Manage friend requests Teach your child only to accept friend requests from people they know in real life. 📷 Cover the Webcam When Not in Use Physically cover your camera when you're not ready to go live. Always be mindful of what’s visible in your background—it can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trust Your Instincts If something feels uncomfortable, it is uncomfortable. Leave the chat immediately and don’t engage with users who seem suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate. 🖥️ Place Devices in Shared Spaces Keep internet-connected devices in living rooms or kitchens, not bedrooms. This makes risky behaviour less likely and easier to notice. 🙋♀️Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. 🚨 Know the Signs of Trouble Watch for behaviour changes—like anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These can signal something inappropriate happened online. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips. |