LEAGUE OF LEGENDS
LEAGUE OF LEGENDS
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Minimum age 12+
What is it? League of Legends (LoL) is an online multiplayer game in which players team up to compete in matches against other players or AI. It features real-time strategy, character customisation, and an in-game chat system. What we say? Treat with caution, especially for younger players. ✅ POSITIVE THEMES
⚠️ KEY CONCERNS 🔞Exposure to Inappropriate Content While LoL does not host user-generated game content, its in-game chat and public matches can expose players to offensive or inappropriate language. The community is known for toxicity, with verbal abuse and harassment common. Parents should enable chat filters and monitor interactions closely. 💬 Direct Messaging LoL allows players to message each other in-game and via the Riot client. Strangers can send friend requests and communicate privately, which poses risks if younger players share personal information. 💸 In-Game Purchases LoL includes microtransactions for skins, characters, and cosmetics. Without parental controls, children may make unintended purchases. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming While League of Legends (LoL) is less focused on social interaction, it still poses risks of online predators and grooming through its communication features. Predators may use private messaging, in-game chat, or fake profiles to build trust, often posing as peers or teammates. They might exploit the game’s team-based dynamics to offer advice or mentorship, potentially moving conversations to private chats or external platforms. 🔓Scams & Account Theft Players may encounter phishing attempts or fake offers, such as free skins or in-game currency (RP), which can lead to account theft. It's crucial to teach children not to click on suspicious links. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Toxic behaviour is a well-documented issue in League of Legends. Players often experience aggressive or hurtful comments in chat, particularly when games don’t go well. This can affect mental health and enjoyment. 🧠 Addiction & Mental Health League of Legends’ fast-paced, competitive nature can lead to extended play sessions, which may affect players’ mental health if not managed. The pressure to perform and exposure to toxic behaviour can contribute to stress or frustration. It’s important for players to take regular breaks, balance gaming with other activities, and seek support if they feel overwhelmed. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the platform: Familiarise yourself with the apps 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. Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices. 📢Underage Accounts: LOL 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. 📷 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 behavior 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. 💬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. 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. 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. 
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