What You Should Know About Clash of Clans
Clash of Clans, a popular game developed by Supercell, boasts an impressive daily player base of around 3.5 million, according to Thinkgaming.com. It’s nearly impossible to quantify how many of these players are younger than 18, but it’s safe to say that this game is extremely popular among kids at schools and in social circles. In fact, last year, over half of my son’s fifth-grade classmates were actively playing, while my daughter’s second-grade class had at least six enthusiasts.
Engagement in the Game
Children are drawn to the game’s strategic components, which include fortifying their villages and enhancing their troops. The thrill of competing against other players adds to the excitement. Additionally, the social dimension of joining or forming clans is significant. Players often recruit friends to their clans or switch to higher-ranked clans for better experiences.
Monitoring Your Child’s Gameplay
First and foremost, be aware that in-app purchases play a major role in the game’s revenue. Although players can enjoy the game without spending, its status as the top-grossing app on iTunes speaks volumes. It’s advisable to establish spending limits to prevent unexpected charges.
Secondly, consider who can join your child’s clan. Clans feature an open chat window that is unmonitored, allowing anyone to communicate with your child. While some clans may impose guidelines like “kids only” or “no profanity,” these rules are not enforceable. The best approach is to have your child create their own clan and invite only friends they know. In our case, I encouraged my husband, an avid player, to join their clan to help supervise the chat. I also make a habit of checking in on the chat discussions.
Lastly, there’s the global chat feature, which allows players to interact without significant filtering. While offensive messages can be reported, the punishment is merely a 24-hour ban—hardly a deterrent. I’ve established a rule that my kids should not engage with global chat at all, but I can only monitor their compliance through surprise checks.
Why Parents Can Relax (Somewhat)
While some parents may be concerned about the game’s combat elements, I personally don’t find it overly objectionable. Despite the warlike theme, there is no graphic violence, and the game promotes strategic thinking and teamwork. Plus, it’s undeniably fun!
Concerns to Consider
Initially, I didn’t delve deep into the game because my husband endorsed it. However, I was taken aback when my then-10-year-old mentioned a clan member had told her to “go away.” Thankfully, she acted swiftly and kicked him out, but it was a wake-up call. After discussing with other parents, I found that only a handful were aware of the chat and purchase issues.
Preventing hefty bills (like the infamous case of twins who racked up a $3,000 iTunes bill) is crucial, but monitoring chat activity is just as important. Teach your kids to avoid sharing personal details like age, location, or school name in chats. It’s also wise to help them choose usernames that don’t reveal personal information. Remind them that anyone they haven’t met in person is a stranger.
Additionally, it’s important to set limits on gameplay time, as Clash of Clans can be highly addictive. Although players do not directly communicate during attacks, younger children may find being targeted distressing, so ensure they’re enjoying the game.
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Summary
In conclusion, while Clash of Clans offers children a fun and strategic gaming experience, it’s essential for parents to actively monitor interactions and spending. Establishing guidelines and having open conversations about online safety can help foster a healthy gaming environment.