Online gaming risks for Italian youth increase

A study conducted by YouGov for Kaspersky involving 525 Italian children aged 10 to 16 highlights the growing social and security risks within online gaming environments. The research indicates that gaming platforms have evolved into significant spaces for digital socialization, where multiplayer interactions often lead to contact with strangers. Approximately 32% of the surveyed youth reported having contact with unknown individuals during online gaming sessions.

This social connectivity introduces several vulnerabilities. The study found that 8% of participants have shared sensitive personal data with people met online, while 7% have sent personal photographs or images. These behaviors increase exposure to potential threats such as scams, cyberbullying, and grooming.

Further investigations into platforms like Roblox, which hosts over 100 million daily active users, reveal complex subcultures. Users may be directed from gaming environments to external chat applications like Discord or Telegram to trade items or access specific content. These transitions can expose minors to violent messages or coordinated online groups that celebrate real-world incidents.