What are MMOs?

From Dungeons and Dragons Online to World of Warcraft, Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs) are a popular way kids today play video games. But what are MMOs, what do parents need to know about them, and are they safe for kids? 

This article discusses the basics of MMOs, the difference between MMOs and MMORPGs, and how parents can keep kids safe while playing them. It also provides recommendations for some kid-safe MMOs. 

What does MMO stand for?

MMO stands for Massively Multiplayer Online game. These online video games can be played by a large number of people at one time in a shared world. 

With MMOs, kids can play against their friends or other people they meet on a game’s network. Hundreds or even thousands of people can play MMOs at one time. Dungeons and Dragons Online and Final Fantasy XIV are two popular MMOs. 

What is a MMORPG?

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) are a specific type of MMO that combines elements of role-playing video games with the MMO format. World of Warcraft and Old School RuneScape are two popular MMORPGs. 

Are MMOs safe for kids?

MMOs are a great way for kids to connect with friends and engage in teamwork and group problem-solving. But there are some risks parents need to be aware of. 

• Exposure to strangers. Because of the large number of players involved, there’s a high chance your child might encounter a stranger while playing an MMO. And because many of the games let players communicate over instant messaging or through headsets, people they don’t know might try to interact with them. This could open them up to predators and scams. 
• Cyberbullying. Kids may experience harassment or exclusion from other players, especially in competitive or unmoderated environments.
• Excessive screen time. MMOs can be hard to put down, potentially leading to too much screen time for kids. Excessive screen time poses risks like difficulty sleeping and an increased risk of anxiety and depression. 

How to keep your child safe while playing MMOs

Here are some tips for keeping your child safe while playing MMOs: 

Use parental controls

Many games and gaming systems have parental controls or privacy options. These settings allow parents to: 

• Set screen time limits
• Disable in-game chat or voice features
• Hide personal details
• View playtime reports

Talk to your child about online safety

Make sure your child knows not to share personal information online or chat with strangers in the game. Explain the warning signs that they’re being targeted by a predator, and teach them how to block or report inappropriate players.

Play with them

Occasionally sit down and play your child’s favorite MMO with them (or at least watch them play). Becoming familiar with the platform will help shape how you guide them toward safer play and lets you keep an eye on how they use the game. 

Use a monitoring app

BrightCanary can alert you if your child encounters harmful content in their messages or searches for concerning topics on Google, YouTube, and more.

Best MMOs for kids

Here are five MMOs that you can feel good letting your child play:

Game	Recommended Age	Description
Trove	10+	Players collect blocks and resources to create buildings and other items, similar to Minecraft.
Wizard101	10+	Users play as wizards and duel using magic spells in a fantasy world.
Pirate101	10+	This kid-friendly MMO features comical pirates who sail their ships in the sky. It includes strong safety features.
Palia	10+	Players are new inhabitants in a fantasy world where they interact with characters, complete quests, and hunt.
Neopets	8+	A collection of MMOs where players can adopt, care for, and interact with other Neopets within a virtual world.

In short

MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games) are a great way for kids to connect with friends and practice teamwork and problem-solving. However, they also present some risks, such as exposure to strangers and scams, cyberbullying, and excessive playtime. 

To keep your child safe, stay involved, use parental controls, and consider monitoring tools like BrightCanary, which alerts you to red flags in your child’s online activity.