Is Among Us Safe for Kids? A Review for Parents

What is Among Us?

Among Us is a multiplayer online game that was developed and published by the American game studio InnerSloth in June 2018. Initially gaining modest popularity, its rise to fame was exponential in 2020, largely fueled by content creators and streamers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

Brief Description of the Game Mechanics

In Among Us, players are assigned roles as either Crewmates or Impostors aboard a spaceship or space station. The Crewmates’ objective is to complete various tasks around the map while identifying and eliminating the Impostors. The Impostors aim to sabotage missions and eliminate Crewmates without being detected. The game thrives on deception, strategy, and communication, making each session unique and interactive.

Available Platforms

Among Us is versatile in its availability, supporting multiple platforms including:

• Mobile: Available for free download on the Among Us Play Store for Android devices and the Among Us App for iOS devices.
• PC: Accessible via platforms like Steam.
• Consoles: Available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles.

Communication Between Players

Effective communication is key in Among Us. Players can engage through:

• Text Chat: Facilitates written communication during meetings.
• Voice Chat: Enables real-time verbal interactions, available on platforms like Discord.
• Quick Chat: Pre-set phrases that allow players to communicate without typing, useful for younger children or controlled environments.

What Should Parents Know About Among Us Before Letting Their Kids Play?

Understanding the dynamics and potential risks associated with Among Us is essential for ensuring a safe gaming experience for children. Here are key aspects parents should consider:

Recommended Age

The developers of Among Us recommend the game for children aged 10 and up. But age is only a guideline. It is important to consider the individual characteristics of the child: how well they understand the game logic, how well they can communicate online, and how they react to emotional situations. To keep the game interesting, safe, and useful, we recommend the following approach:

👶 Up to 10 years old:

• Play only under adult supervision;
• Turn off chat or use Quick Chat;
• Create private rooms to play with friends or family.

👦👧 10–13 years old:

• Most children can play independently;
• Quick Chat is recommended — a set of safe phrases for communication;
• It is worth periodically discussing game situations and the behavior of other players with your child.

🧑‍💻 13+ years old:

• Full chat can be used;
• The child should understand the rules of safe online communication;
• It is important to be able to recognize toxic behavior and respond appropriately.

Game Themes

The game involves elements of deceit, betrayal, and the killing of characters, which can have a psychological impact on younger children. Themes of trust and suspicion might lead to anxiety or nightmares in more sensitive kids, making it important for parents to monitor how their child reacts to the gameplay.

Social Interaction

Among Us promotes interaction with a diverse player base, including strangers:

• Communication with Strangers: Opens opportunities for socialization but also poses risks like exposure to phishing, cyberbullying, and toxic behavior.
• Predatory Behavior: Potential for interactions with individuals who may have malicious intentions, emphasizing the need for vigilance.

Financial Risks

While Among Us itself is free, it includes:

• In-Game Advertising: Can expose children to inappropriate content if not properly filtered.
• In-Game Purchases and Microtransactions: Children might inadvertently or intentionally make purchases, leading to unexpected costs.

Positive Value for Child Development

Despite its risks, Among Us offers benefits for child development:

• Critical Thinking and Strategy: Enhances problem-solving skills and strategic planning.
• Teamwork and Communication: Encourages collaboration and effective communication among players.

Privacy

Protecting players' personal data is an important consideration. Among Us adheres to a privacy policy and has an official privacy policy and data collection notice (Among Us - Privacy Policy and Notice at Collection), but parents should ensure that their children do not share personal information while playing the game.

Parental Controls

Among Us has basic parental control features to help make the game safer for children. Here is a quick overview of the built-in features:

• 💬 Quick Chat: instead of free chat, your child uses a set of predefined phrases; chat is enabled for children under 13; reduces the risk of unwanted communication.
• 🧹 Chat filter: a built-in filter hides profanity; this feature can be enabled or disabled in the game settings.
• 🔒 Private lobbies: players can create closed rooms that only those who know the code can access; ideal for playing with friends or family.
• 1️⃣3️⃣+ Age restrictions: the date of birth is taken into account during registration; for children under 13, automatic restrictions apply (Quick Chat, inability to add friends).
• 🚫 Blocking players: if someone behaves in a toxic manner or violates the rules, they can be kicked or banned from the game.

These features are useful, but not always sufficient. For additional protection, we recommend using external parental control tools, such as the Kroha app.

How to Make Among Us Safe for Kids

Implementing robust safety measures can significantly enhance the gaming experience for children. Here are strategies to ensure safety:

Security Settings in the Game

• Create a Private Lobby: Limit game access to known friends and family members.
• Use Quick Chat Instead of Free Chat: Restrict communication to pre-set messages to minimize exposure to inappropriate conversations.
• Disable External Links: Prevent sharing of potentially harmful links within the game.
• Limit Session Time: Control the duration of gameplay sessions to prevent excessive gaming.

Use Parental Control Tools

Leverage parental control applications and built-in OS features to manage and monitor gaming activities:

Built-In OS Features:

• iOS and Android: Utilize parental controls available in the device settings.
• Windows: Use screen time and content restriction features.
• Content Filtering and Age Blocking: Restrict access to age-inappropriate content within the game.
• Screen Time Monitoring: Track and limit the amount of time spent on gaming.
• Specialized Mobile Game Control Apps: Applications like Kroha offer comprehensive tools for controlling and restricting mobile game usage, ensuring that games like Among Us do not exceed set boundaries.

Tips for Parents: Keeping Kids Safe in Among Us

Proactive engagement and clear guidelines can greatly enhance safety. Open Conversation About Games: Discuss what Among Us entails and why it’s popular, fostering an understanding and open dialogue.

Setting Agreements and Rules:

• Maximum Play Time: Establish clear limits on how long your child can play.
• Lobby Only with Friends: Restrict game lobbies to known friends to minimize interactions with strangers.
• Playing Together: Engage in gameplay with your child to better understand the game mechanics and establish trust.
• Behavior Analysis: Observe your child’s behavior post-game sessions for any signs of distress or anxiety, ensuring they are coping well with the game's dynamics.

👉 Check out the visual guide “5 Steps to Safe Gaming” – it’s an easy way to remember important tips and keep your child safe while gaming.

Parent FAQs about Among Us

What’s the Recommended Age for Kids to Play Among Us?

Among Us is generally suitable for children aged 10 and above. However, parents should assess their child’s maturity and understanding of the game’s themes.

How Can I Identify Which Servers Are Safe and Which Ones Are Risky?

Opt for private lobbies with friends or family members instead of public servers. Avoid joining random servers to reduce exposure to potentially harmful interactions.

Is There an Official Mod to Disable In-Game Chat?

Yes, Among Us offers the Quick Chat feature, which can be used instead of free text or voice chat. Additionally, creating private lobbies can help limit communication to trusted players.

What’s the Best Way to Handle Hostile Behavior from Other Players?

Encourage your child to leave the game if they encounter hostility. Utilize the report feature to notify game moderators and consider playing in private lobbies to avoid such interactions.

How Can I Limit My Kid’s Screen Time on Their Mobile Device?

Use parental control apps like Kroha to schedule blocking of mobile games and apps according to predefined routines, ensuring a balanced gaming schedule.

Conclusions: Should My Kid Play Among Us?

Among Us offers both risks and benefits. Key risks include exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and potential financial expenditures. However, when properly managed, the game can foster critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills in children. Parents play a vital role in shaping healthy gaming habits by implementing protective measures, maintaining open dialogues, and setting clear guidelines. A cautious and informed approach ensures that Among Us remains a safe and enjoyable experience for kids.