More than half of children who play online games interact with strangers

17% of parents say their children have profiles on sports betting sites and online casinos

Online games have become an integral part of the routine of children and adolescents, creating new concerns as they present non-negligible risks, which families still don’t know how to deal with. From a new survey by Unico, a leading company in solutions for the validation of people’s real identity, commissioned by Instituto Locomotiva, it emerges that 86% of young people play or access online games and 74% do so weekly, of which 55% maintain contact with strangers during games, talking and interacting. The survey provides exclusive data on the exposure of Brazilian children and adolescents to the virtual environment of online games and presents a worrying panorama on the digital safety of this audience.

The research confirms the need for digital literacy and education actions for parents, educators, children and adolescents. “We see a scenario of high digital exposure and vulnerability of minors, which indicates the need for better parental guidance in the online environment,” reflects Felipe Magrim, director of public policies at Unico. “It is a warning to parents and educators that interacting with strangers in virtual environments exposes children and adolescents to various risks, including cyberbullying, harassment, fraud and scams.”

For Renato Meirelles, president of the Locomotiva Institute, the lack of supervision and effective controls expose minors to numerous risks, such as financial losses and emotional impacts that affect the entire family. “Digital environments are shaping new generations, but they also bring to light important challenges. Online games are already part of the daily lives of children and adolescents, but also of many adults (78% of parents say they play or access games, with 58% doing so weekly and 17% daily), highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and awareness in families. More than protecting, it is necessary to ensure that this generation – and their parents – browse the Internet in a safe and healthy way , transforming the digital. into something. a tool for growth, not for vulnerability”, he says.

Betting sites: worrying scenario

When the research enters the context of sports betting sites, the scenario is even more worrying, considering that 17% of parents declare that their children aged 7 to 17 have a profile on these sites or on online casino platforms.

According to research by PwC, online betting operators now number more than 300 in Brazil, a number that has increased by 500% since 2020, when there were just 51 bets. According to the Central Bank, Brazilians have already disbursed, by the end of September 2024, an average of R$2 billion per month in traditional lotteries and R$21 billion in online betting shops – a figure that could be much more high, since this sum is only R$ 2 billion per month. takes into account transfers via Pix. The institute estimates that the country has 24 million bettors per month, or 11.3% of the Brazilian population.

Unico’s research shows that young people actively bet on these sites, the main payment methods used by their children are Pix (63%), credit card (48%), debit card (38%) and bank slip (14 %). Around 13% of parents don’t even know what payment method their children use on these platforms.

“The presence of children and teenagers on sports betting sites is concerning, which is why more robust measures are needed to protect this vulnerable audience,” says Magrim.

“The ease of accessing and using payment methods, often without parental supervision or knowledge, exposes young people to serious financial and emotional risks, as well as possible fraud. It is essential that platforms, in collaboration with regulatory bodies, implement identity verification technologies that prevent minors from registering and participating in these environments.”

Law 14.790/2023, which regulated online betting, obliges companies in the sector to comply with a series of requirements to maintain their activities regularly and safely. One of these requirements is the use of facial biometrics to authenticate the identity of users, which aims to prevent access to people who are prohibited from playing, including minors.

“The security and privacy of the data of bettors and their entire family are crucial concerns and deserve close attention. In addition to establishing rules for the operation of these companies and mechanisms for the protection of minors, the regulation will allow greater control over the operations of betting houses, making this market safer and more transparent”, concludes Magrim.

Research methodology

The research was conducted in two phases: the qualitative one, which interviewed nine experts on the topic of data protection of children and adolescents in digital environments, and the quantitative one, which involved the participation of 2,006 people responsible for children and adolescents throughout the Brazil. The survey took place from October 9 to 24, 2024, with a margin of error of 2.2 percentage points.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.