For many children, video games are part of daily life. But understanding how to handle potential dangers is just as important as enjoying the games themselves. This week, BEE SECURE organised its DigiRallye, a special event designed to teach children from various after-school clubs about the risks associated with online gaming. Through interactive workshops, participants learned about issues such as online safety, in-game purchases, and the dangers of excessive gaming. Elise Laera, who coordinates the DigiRallye for BEE SECURE, explained that the programme covers a range of topics, including safe chatting, the threat of online grooming, and the importance of not trusting every profile picture. They also addressed in-app purchases, as almost all games now offer the option to spend real money.
The goal of BEE SECURE is not to demonise video games or tell children to stop playing, but rather to empower them to make informed, safe choices. The workshops are designed to be hands-on and playful, letting children experience decision-making situations for themselves. To make the workshops as interactive and concrete as possible, Laera explained that, for instance, in their in-app purchase workshop, children receive a set amount of virtual money, which they can spend however they choose. They are also tempted with fake promotions, encouraging them to buy more, after which the consequences are discussed together.
DigiRallye is aimed at children aged eight to twelve, an age group increasingly encountering digital risks. Many already have personal stories. One child recalled sometimes being asked online about where they live. Another added that they sometimes get contacted by strangers, while a third shared that upon receiving a message from someone online, their parents advised them not to reply to such messages at all. Others mentioned learning that too much screen time can strain their eyes and mind, and that it is important not to believe or respond to everything online.
Ultimately, DigiRallye aims to teach children not to avoid video games altogether, but to approach them with caution and awareness, helping them play safely and responsibly in a digital world.
