Tween Tech: What Parents Should Know About ‘Clash Of Clans’

Hey there, fellow parents! Let’s chat about a game that your kids might be obsessed with—Clash of Clans. As of recently, around 3.5 million players log in daily, and it’s super popular in schools. My friend Lisa mentioned that over half of her daughter’s fifth-grade class plays, and I’ve noticed quite a few kids in my son’s second-grade class are hooked too.

Why Do Kids Love It?

So, why do kids love it? For starters, they’re drawn to the strategy involved—building their villages and strengthening their troops is a big deal. Plus, battling other players is just plain exciting! The social aspect of joining clans adds an extra layer; kids often invite their friends to join, or they might leave a clan to join a more elite one.

Keeping an Eye on the Game

Now, let’s talk about how we can keep an eye on this game. First off, in-app purchases are a major revenue stream for Clash of Clans. While kids can play without spending money, you might want to set some limits on how much they can spend—trust me, it’s worth it! You wouldn’t believe how many horror stories there are about unexpected iTunes bills.

Next, consider who’s allowed in your child’s clan. Clans have chat windows that aren’t monitored. Anyone can join, and while some clans have rules like “no cursing,” there’s no real way to enforce them. The best bet is to have your kids create their own clan with friends they know. I even had my husband—who loves the game—join their clan to help keep an eye on things and I do some spot checks too.

Global Chat Concerns

One feature I really dislike is the global chat tab. It’s basically a free-for-all where players can chat with anyone, and the moderation is minimal. Offensive messages can get flagged, but the punishment is just a 24-hour ban. I’ve told my kids to avoid this tab altogether, but let’s be real; it’s hard to monitor their activity without surprising them every now and then.

Combat Aspect of the Game

On the flip side, some parents might worry about the combat aspect of the game. Personally, I think it’s not too bad. While there’s a warfare theme, it’s pretty tame on the violence front. The strategic thinking and teamwork required can actually be beneficial for kids.

However, I did have a wake-up call when my daughter, Ava, mentioned that someone in her clan told her to “shut up.” She quickly kicked him out, but it made me realize I wasn’t fully aware of what was happening in the game. After chatting with other parents, I discovered that many weren’t aware of the chat and spending issues either. Just make sure to talk to your kids about not sharing personal info in chats—things like their age, school name, or any other identifying details. Remind them that online friends are still strangers.

Setting Boundaries

Lastly, keep in mind that Clash of Clans can be pretty addictive. Setting time limits for gameplay is a smart move. And while kids might get upset about being attacked, remind them to have fun and not take it too seriously.

For more insights on parenting and related topics, check out our other blog on the importance of understanding home insemination techniques. If you’re looking for expert advice, resources like Hopkins Medicine’s fertility center are excellent. Also, if you want to learn about home insemination kits, you can find great information at Make A Mom.

In summary, while Clash of Clans can be a fun and educational experience for kids, it’s essential to stay vigilant about chat interactions and spending. Setting boundaries and having open discussions can help ensure your kids enjoy the game safely.