SIMS 4
SIMS 4
|
MINIMUM AGE: 12+ WHAT IS IT? The Sims 4 is a free-to-play life simulation game where players create Sims, build homes, and guide lives. It offers expansions, customisation, emotions, and mods for deeper gameplay on PC and consoles. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. 🔞 Access to Inappropriate Content: While The Sims 4 is rated 12, some mods or user-generated content (CC) can include nudity, violence, or adult themes. Sims can flirt, date, woohoo (have sex), and try for babies—though scenes are censored with pixelation and not graphic. Still, these themes may be inappropriate for younger players, especially without parental context. 🚨Violence and Death While not graphic, Sims can die from fire, drowning, electrocution, starvation, emotional overload, or be killed using cheats or mods. Grim Reaper appearances and ghost hauntings add a darker tone to parts of the game. 📢 Lack of Moderation & Age Vertification Account creation for The Sims 4 only asks for a birthdate, which is easily falsified. Younger users can gain full access to features or forums meant for older players. 🔐 Privacy Concerns The game itself doesn’t collect excessive personal info, but installing mods or sharing on EA’s Gallery might expose usernames or creations publicly. 💬 Messaging The Sims 4 does not include real-time chat or voice features, so direct bullying through the game itself is limited. However, players can upload Sims, houses, and rooms to the Gallery, where others can leave comments. In some cases, users—especially younger or sensitive players—might receive negative feedback, trolling, or inappropriate remarks about their creations. 💸 In-Game Purchases Although The Sims 4 base game is now free-to-play, it relies heavily on downloadable content (DLC) to unlock many popular features. These include Expansion Packs, Game Packs, Stuff Packs, and Kits, which can range in price from a few pounds to over £40 each. Some content bundles exceed £600 in total if you aim to "own it all." 🧠 Addiction & Mental HealthLike many simulation games, it can be highly immersive and time-consuming, leading to overuse or neglect of other responsibilities. 🎮 Game ConcernsSome expansions include occult, violence, or adult content. Mods can push content beyond intended age ratings, requiring adult supervision for younger players. 🔓 Scams & Account Theft Using unofficial sites for mods or cracked versions can lead to malware or account theft. EA accounts should be protected with strong passwords and 2FA. |
🛡️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. t. 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. 
|
