overwatch 2
OVERWATCH
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MINIMUM AGE: 12+ WHAT IS IT? Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter (FPS). Its sequel, Overwatch 2, is free-to-play and lets players choose characters to work together and complete team objectives. Primary gameplay consists of two teams of six players each fighting each other for control of specific areas or objectives. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. 🧑🤝🧑 Teamwork-Based Unlike typical shooters, Overwatch emphasises team strategy. Winning usually depends more on cooperation, hero synergy, and coordination than individual aim alone. 🔞 Access to Inappropriate Content: Overwatch 2 is rated 12+, but unmoderated voice and text chat can expose players to swearing, bullying, sexual jokes, or toxic behaviour. Some fan content and character designs may also include mature or suggestive themes. Parents should consider disabling chat and monitoring outside media like YouTube or Twitch. 🔫 Violence & Gunplay As a first-person shooter, Overwatch 2 includes constant combat with guns, explosives, and energy weapons. While the visuals are stylized and bloodless, violence is central to the gameplay. Younger or sensitive players may be unsettled by the intensity of action and frequent death animations (though respawning is immediate and routine). 📢 Lack of Moderation & Age Vertification There is no robust system to verify or restrict access based on actual age. 🔐 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. 💬 Direct Messaging & Voice Chat The game features real-time voice and text communication. Players can be contacted by strangers during matches. This opens risks of verbal abuse, inappropriate language, and exposure to adult conversations—especially in competitive play. 💸 In-Game Purchases While Overwatch 2 is free to play, it includes microtransactions for skins, cosmetics, and seasonal Battle Passes. These purchases can add up quickly, and children may feel pressure to buy to fit in or compete. 👥 Toxicity & Online Harassment Overwatch has a reputation for toxic behaviour, especially in ranked modes. Players may face blame, insults, trolling, or harassment, even when chat is disabled. This can negatively impact mental well-being and enjoyment of the game. 🎭 Fan Content & Streaming Risks Watching Overwatch on YouTube, Twitch, or Discord can expose children to uncensored language, mature jokes, and adult interactions not present in the game itself. These platforms are outside the platforms control and may not be age-appropriate. |
🛡️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. 
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