How Do I Feel About My Kid Having Online Friends I’ve Never Met?

6 days ago

2 min read

As a Christian parent, the idea of my child having online friends they've never met was, at first, unsettling. I had always been cautious about who influences my child, especially in online spaces like gaming. But as my child’s love for youth esports grew, I had to rethink my stance.

I know many other parents in the Christian gaming community have faced similar concerns, so I wanted to share my journey in balancing online gaming with safety and faith.

The Online Gaming Dilemma

At first, I had strict rules: no accepting friend requests from strangers, and no voice or text chat. Only kids my child knew in real life could be part of their gaming experience. But this approach only worked for a short time.

As any parent of a serious gamer knows, especially in the world of esport leagues, finding other kids who play the same games, at the same skill level, and during the same hours is tough. When your child is passionate about youth esports and competitive gaming, they need a larger community—one that goes beyond their local school or neighborhood.

The Need for a Trusted Gaming Community

When it comes to gaming, especially in an online esports community, I wasn’t just going to let my child join any group. The internet can be a dangerous place, and I needed to find a safe space where my child could grow as a gamer while also staying true to our Christian values.

After researching and realizing there weren’t many trusted communities out there, we created Fellowship Esports. This Christian gaming community is a safe, moderated environment where kids can engage in youth esports, make new friends, and develop both socially and spiritually.

Why I'm Comfortable With Online Friends Now

Now, after teaching my child how to navigate online spaces safely, I feel much more confident. The key is finding a safe, reliable community like Fellowship Esports. Here, kids can connect with peers who share the same faith, values, and passion for esport leagues.

Tips for Christian Parents Navigating Online Gaming

Set Clear Boundaries: Make sure your child knows how to stay safe online by avoiding friend requests from strangers and keeping communications within trusted networks.
Find a Christian Gaming Community: A Christian gaming community like Fellowship Esports provides a well-moderated space where kids can grow spiritually and socially while enjoying youth esports.
Stay Involved: Keep an open dialogue with your child about their online friendships and gaming experiences. Make sure they feel comfortable discussing any issues they encounter.

In today’s digital world, our kids need more than just local friends when it comes to gaming. They need a safe, trusted esport community where they can thrive, compete, and grow in their faith. If you're a Christian parent like me, consider getting your child involved in a community like Fellowship Esports, where they can build lifelong friendships rooted in shared values.