With the popularity of online multiplayer games skyrocketing, “Among Us” has become a household name, especially among kids. But as parents, you may be wondering: is Among Us safe for kids? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything parents need to know about the game, its features, potential risks, and how to ensure a safe gaming experience for children.
What Is Among Us? A Simple Guide for Parents
Among Us is an online multiplayer game that was launched in 2018 by the game studio InnerSloth. It gained immense popularity during the pandemic in 2020 due to its engaging gameplay and social aspects. The game is set in a spaceship or space-themed environment, where players take on roles as “Crewmates” or “Impostors.”
The objective of the game is simple: the Crewmates must complete tasks around the map to ensure the spaceship continues functioning while identifying and eliminating the Impostors among them. The Impostors, on the other hand, must sabotage the ship and eliminate the Crewmates without being caught. The game encourages social deduction, problem-solving, and teamwork, but it also involves elements like lying, betrayal, and a chat feature that can raise safety concerns for kids.
Is Among Us Safe for Kids to Play?
The safety of Among Us for kids largely depends on how the game is played and monitored. The game itself is not inherently harmful, but some of its features may expose children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, or privacy risks. The key concerns revolve around the open chat system, the possibility of encountering strangers, and the themes of deception and betrayal.
That being said, the developers have introduced safety measures like Quick Chat to provide a safer experience for younger players. Let’s take a closer look at how these features work and whether they make the game suitable for children.
The Role of Quick Chat in Among Us
In early 2021, InnerSloth added the Quick Chat feature to Among Us to make the game more child-friendly. This feature allows players to communicate using a pre-set list of phrases instead of typing custom messages in the chat box. It is particularly useful for younger players who might not be comfortable typing or reading potentially inappropriate messages.

Quick Chat significantly reduces the chances of encountering offensive language, cyberbullying, or inappropriate conversations. However, it doesn’t completely eliminate risks, as players can still encounter strangers and experience other challenges associated with online multiplayer games.
Can Kids Play Among Us Without Chat?
Yes, kids can play Among Us without chat! The game offers an option to disable the chat feature entirely. Parents can enable this by adjusting the game’s settings, ensuring that kids can enjoy the gameplay without engaging in any form of communication. This can be a good option for younger children or those who might not be ready to interact with other players.
What Age Rating Does Among Us Have?
Among Us has an ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) rating of E10+, meaning it is generally suitable for players aged 10 and up. However, the PEGI (Pan European Game Information) rating suggests that the game is suitable for players aged 7 and older.
While these age ratings indicate that the game is appropriate for children, the open chat feature and themes of lying and deception make parental discretion crucial.
Tips to Keep Kids Safe While Playing Among Us
- Enable Quick Chat or Disable Chat Completely: Use the game’s built-in safety features to control how kids interact with other players.
- Monitor Online Interactions: Ensure that kids are playing in private lobbies with friends or family members instead of strangers.
- Educate Kids About Online Safety: Teach children about the risks of sharing personal information online and how to report inappropriate behavior.
- Set Screen Time Limits: Limit the time kids spend playing to prevent overuse or addiction.
- Encourage Open Communication: Make sure kids feel comfortable discussing their gaming experiences with you, especially if they encounter something unsettling.
What Are the Risks of Playing Among Us?
While Among Us is a relatively simple and fun game, there are several risks parents should be aware of:
- Exposure to Inappropriate Content: The open chat feature (if enabled) allows players to type custom messages, which can sometimes include offensive or inappropriate language.
- Interacting with Strangers: Players can join public lobbies, where they might encounter strangers who could engage in inappropriate behavior or conversations.
- Themes of Deception: The game revolves around lying and tricking others, which might not align with the values you want to teach younger children.
- In-App Purchases: Players can buy cosmetic items in the game, which may encourage spending habits in kids without parental oversight.
Does Among Us Collect Kids’ Data?
Like many online games, Among Us collects some user data, including usernames, gameplay statistics, and device information. However, InnerSloth complies with privacy regulations like COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) to ensure that children’s data is handled responsibly.
Parents can further protect their child’s privacy by using anonymous usernames and avoiding the use of personal information in the game.
Are In-App Purchases Safe for Kids?
Among Us offers optional in-app purchases, such as skins, hats, and pets, which are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay. While these purchases are generally safe, they can lead to accidental spending if parental controls are not in place.

To avoid unexpected charges, parents should enable password protection for purchases or disable in-app purchases altogether on their child’s device.
Is Among Us Educational for Kids?
Surprisingly, Among Us can offer some educational benefits, especially for older children. The game encourages skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and social deduction. Players must observe, strategize, and communicate effectively to succeed.
However, these benefits largely depend on how the game is played. Inappropriate behavior or excessive screen time can outweigh these positives, making it important for parents to set boundaries.
Thoughts: Should Kids Play Among Us?
Whether or not kids should play Among Us ultimately depends on their age, maturity level, and the safeguards put in place. For children aged 10 and above, the game can be a fun and engaging way to develop cognitive and social skills. However, younger children may struggle with the game’s themes and online interactions, making it less suitable without strict supervision.
What Are the Risks of Playing Among Us?
As previously mentioned, risks include exposure to inappropriate content, interaction with strangers, and the encouragement of deceptive behavior. These risks can be mitigated by enabling Quick Chat, playing in private lobbies, and disabling in-app purchases.
The Bottom Line
Is Among Us safe for kids? The answer is: it depends on how it’s played and monitored. While the game itself is designed to be family-friendly, certain features—like open chat and online interactions—can pose risks for children.
By enabling parental controls, using Quick Chat, and educating kids about online safety, parents can create a safer gaming environment for their children. Ultimately, the key is to stay involved, set boundaries, and ensure that your child’s gaming experience is both fun and secure.
As a parent, it’s always wise to test the game yourself, explore its features, and decide whether it aligns with your family’s values. With the right precautions, Among Us can be a safe and enjoyable experience for kids aged 10 and above.