There is a growing threat to children and teenagers in Russia through the combination of mobile games and chat platforms that predators use to draw minors into dangerous activities and fraudulent schemes. Authorities and child protection experts have sounded the alarm as youths increasingly encounter enticing game mechanics, social features, and rewards that blur the line between entertainment and risk. In a recent interview with URA.RU, State Duma deputy Anton Nemkin emphasized that these practices influence the way young people think and behave online. His remarks stress how vulnerable minds can be shaped by conversations and prompts that accompany these digital experiences. The conversation highlights the need for practical responses from families, educators, and policymakers alike, beyond isolated warnings. The message circulated is straightforward: safeguarding children requires understanding the digital environments they inhabit and knowing how to intervene in a timely, constructive way that supports healthy development.
Nemkin pointed out that risky games are distributed through mobile apps and chat services and commonly target children. Predators exploit emotional triggers and social pressures to push youngsters toward dangerous actions under various pretexts, sometimes using threats to themselves or to loved ones as leverage. The dynamic relies on rapid, persuasive messaging, peer influence, and the allure of social status within a group. Children can receive invitations to join, see others succeed in virtual tasks, and feel compelled to participate even when the activity seems suspicious. The deputy’s comments underscore the specific danger of mobile ecosystems where games, messaging, and social interaction intersect, making it harder for a youngster to recognize manipulation in the moment.
The conversation also highlighted that challenges built around completing tasks and inviting others are especially perilous. Such schemes often hinge on a sense of belonging and competitiveness, encouraging ongoing participation and recruitment. In addition, young people may be drawn into gambling or fraud schemes through a range of messaging platforms. The blend of gamified content, instant communication, and easy access to financial incentives creates a fertile ground for exploitation. This reality calls for vigilance from guardians and clear protocols that reduce exposure while preserving legitimate uses of these tools for learning, creativity, and social connection.
Nemkin urged adults to discuss the risks with children, outline concrete boundaries for online activity, and implement parental controls to shield them from negative effects. Practical steps include reviewing app permissions, setting time limits, and enabling family safety features that many devices and platforms now offer. By fostering open dialogue about why certain games or chats feel uncomfortable and by modeling cautious online behavior, parents and caregivers can help youths distinguish between harmless play and risky participation. The emphasis is on proactive prevention, continuous talk, and a shared sense of digital responsibility within families and schools alike.
Some users have reported issues with Telegram, which has intensified discussions about how platform reliability intersects with child safety. While this note does not diminish the broader concerns about exploitation through gaming and chat environments, it reminds readers that platform stability and security are essential components of a safe online experience for young users. The overall takeaway remains that coordinated efforts—spanning families, schools, technology providers, and authorities—are essential to curb the lure of harmful games and chats and to promote healthier digital habits among the younger population.