“My son wants to play Dungeons and Dragons. Is that weird? Is Dungeons and Dragons for kids?” My friend rattled off those questions and concerns, and I had no idea what to say. I grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, when D&D was the catalyst for media panic around satanism and witchcraft. As a kid, I didn’t know anything about it other than it was a roleplay game that required a good imagination and special dice.
Fast forward 40 years, Dungeons and Dragons has had a resurgence in popularity thanks to Stranger Things and now a feature film. The Netflix series put D&D back on the map and even addressed the frenzy it caused back in the ’80s. Now there are an estimated 13.7 million D&D players in the U.S. alone. It’s not the same basement game it was when we were kids, but does that mean you should sign off on it or other role play games? Here are 9 things that will help you decide if you should let your child play D&D.
Some Facts About Dungeons and Dragons
1. It’s a roleplaying game.
That means you take on a character and make decisions you think that character would make. You receive a character sheet that tells you things like proficiencies, languages, and background. As the game goes on, you create and share more details about your character’s personality and backstory.
2. The players in the game go on an adventure.
The group of players is called a party. Everyone in the party embarks on an epic quest and explores a fantasy world together.
3. The Dungeon Master is pivotal.
The Dungeon Master sets the tone, plays referee, and leads the storytelling. My friend’s son is playing with another boy she knows well who’s an Eagle Scout and attends their church. If you’re considering Dungeons and Dragons for your kids, you should absolutely know the person who’s acting as the DM, because he can take the game to a dark place or keep it light and fun.
4. But the Dungeon Master can change the rules.
The Dungeon Master can take death out of the game. Instead of dying, the monsters could be going to visit Grandma in Miami. It’s all about using your imagination.
What to Look Out For
5. By its nature, it’s a violent game.
A cornerstone of D&D is killing monsters. It is the fastest and easiest way for characters to collect experience points.
6. There’s magic and false gods.
Our kids are impressionable, and what they allow into their hearts and minds will help shape them. Again, the Dungeon Master has influence here for good and bad. He or she can remove or add anything he or she chooses, including references to gods.
Our kids are impressionable, and what they allow into their hearts and minds will help shape them. Click To TweetPositive Aspects to Dungeons and Dragons
7. Research has found that D&D can increase emotional intelligence.
Social puzzles are everywhere in D&D. School Library Journal suggests that the interaction between characters allows players to collaborate, build relationships, and practice the skills of showing compassion or finding diplomatic solutions.
8. It often appeals to kids who struggle to fit in.
Sometimes, when kids are figuring out their personalities, it’s scary to be themselves. Is that way of talking weird? Will they not get my sense of humor? Like acting (but minus stage fright), taking on another personality in the form of a character in a game can help kids express themselves and feel more authentic.
9. It’s a creative outlet.
Collaboration and creativity are key. Players build on each other’s stories and solve problems together. In a world where many forms of entertainment for kids require little creative thinking or imagination, D&D is unique.
Want more on whether you should let your child play Dungeons and Dragons? Axis.org has a helpful guide that explains the game’s controversial history and will even walk you through how to talk to your child about the decision not to allow him to play (if that’s what you choose).
What’s your take on D&D?
