As parents, it’s natural to feel concerned about what our kids are doing online, especially with the increase in screen time. Questions often come up about how safe their online interactions are or if there’s any educational benefit to screen time activities. Key areas to consider are safe screen time for kids, the risks of unmonitored online gaming, and the negative impacts of overuse.
At Guild of Imagination, we recognize these concerns. Our mission is to give kids a safe screen time experience through D&D and VR programs that focus on creativity, confidence, and teamwork. Online safety for kids is our top priority, and we ensure this with moderated online gaming, recorded sessions, and yearly background checks for all Guild Masters. Here’s how we address each of these concerns and provide a structured online space for safe screen time for kids.
With screens everywhere, parents worry about the risks of unmonitored screen time. Three common concerns are exposure to inappropriate content, unmoderated interactions, and the effects of excessive screen time on kids’ health and development.
Inappropriate Content: Open platforms sometimes expose kids to language, images, or themes that are not age-appropriate. Seeing this content at a young age can shape their worldview in ways that might not align with your values. For more information on safe screen time for kids, check out the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines on digital safety.
Unmoderated Interactions: The anonymity of the internet has increased risks of harmful interactions, like chatting with strangers or experiencing bullying. Without monitoring, these interactions can affect a child’s sense of security and well-being. Common Sense Media has valuable resources to help parents understand the importance of moderation in online interactions.
Excessive Use and Its Impact: Studies connect prolonged screen time to negative outcomes, from behavioral issues to struggles with emotional regulation. Screen time without purpose can disrupt daily routines and create stress, affecting social and emotional development. For practical advice on balancing screen time, see the Child Mind Institute’s recommendations on screen time management.
At Guild of Imagination, our programs are intentionally structured and supervised, offering safe screen time for kids to engage and grow. Every session is led by a Game Master who monitors gameplay and models respectful online behavior, building a positive, moderated online gaming environment.
Every child deserves a safe, supportive space to learn and connect online. At Guild of Imagination, we’ve established comprehensive safety protocols to protect each child’s experience.
Moderated Gameplay: Each session is supervised by a trained Guild Master who ensures all communication remains respectful. Our Game Masters demonstrate kindness and empathy in their interactions, teaching kids how to be good digital citizens. For more on the benefits of moderated online gaming for children, explore National Online Safety’s guide.
No Direct Messaging: To avoid unsupervised interactions, we don’t allow direct messaging between participants. This policy ensures that all communication is open, reducing the risk of inappropriate interactions. Our Game Masters monitor every conversation, helping redirect and correct behavior when needed.
Recorded Sessions: We record each session to maintain transparency and accountability. If any concerns arise, parents have access to these recordings for review, adding a layer of trust and safety.
Background Checks for Guild Masters: All Guild Masters undergo annual background checks and identity verification to ensure they’re qualified to work with kids. We choose our Game Masters not only for their expertise but also for their commitment to providing a safe, positive experience for children.
Guild of Imagination offers a welcoming environment for kids of all backgrounds. Each Guild Master has experience working with diverse groups, including neurodivergent children and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Our community guidelines encourage empathy, creativity, and teamwork, ensuring every child feels respected and valued.
When you and your child join Guild of Imagination’s online community, you’ll find clear guidelines that promote positive social interactions. We aim to create a space where kids support each other, build friendships, and learn from one another. Every interaction in our community is supervised, allowing us to uphold our commitment to safety and inclusivity. To learn more about fostering a supportive online space for kids, explore resources from the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI).
Screen time can be an incredibly positive experience when it’s purposeful and engaging. Structured activities, like those offered at Guild of Imagination, let kids explore new ideas, develop empathy, and gain a sense of a world beyond their own.
Our D&D and VR sessions give kids a chance to build worlds, collaborate with peers, and tackle challenges from unique perspectives. Through these activities, they develop essential skills like problem-solving, communication, and social confidence. Our group activities teach kids to express themselves openly, respect others, and form friendships. Many parents share stories of their kids growing more confident and social, a direct result of the safe, engaging environment we provide.
At Guild of Imagination, screen time becomes a tool for growth. Here, kids gain skills that benefit them on and off the screen. For additional ideas on productive screen time, visit Internet Matters for tips and resources.
While unmonitored screen time can lead to negative effects, structured and safe online gaming for kids opens up valuable opportunities for growth. Guild of Imagination harnesses kids’ love of screens, transforming it into a positive and educational experience as they mature in today’s digital world.
If you’d like to see Guild of Imagination in action, we invite you to start a free trial. Your child will have a week to explore our community, clubs, and classes to see if they enjoy the experience. We look forward to welcoming your family into the Guild!
