ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — Gaming has evolved over the years, from playing board games to computer games and now video games on the internet. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 80% of teens think harassment over video games is a problem for people their age.

What You Need To Know

According to a Pew Research Center survey, 80% of teens think harassment over video games is a problem for people their age

A Seminole County mom wants her son to excel at esports, but in a safe environment, so she opened Valhallen Esports Training in Altamonte Springs

Elementary, middle and high school students can grow their Esports skills in a safe environment

As a part of the Central Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in 17 counties in Central Florida, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office had more than 30 arrests alone in 2025

Esports are sweeping the nation, but it has some parents unsure about how to let their kids safely play out their passion. The Central Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force says it’s an uphill battle as technology is ever evolving. They have a team across Central Florida that works off cyber tips, averaging about 1 search warrant a week to help get offenders off the internet.

“It is really engaging,” said Kairan Kelsey, who loves to play video games. His favorite game is Valorant. “I want to try to go professional, try to play at college level like at Full Sail,” Kairan said.

However, as he got more competitive, he became more aware of what’s out there.

“I had been starting to stream and there are a lot of people that get into your chat and try to get your information,” Kairan said.

His parents talked to him about internet safety.

“We have always had a gaming out in the open policy,” said Dani Kelsey, Kairan’s mom.

She took things one step further and opened Valhallan Esports training in Altamonte Springs.

“They are playing with teams that are here locally that are a part of our arena as their teammates, but they are having the opportunity to compete against teams from across the country,” Dani said.

Elementary, middle and high school students can grow their esports skills in a safe environment.

“I just feel secure…they offer an environment that is very safe for young boys…I am so behind with this whole thing, and I would rather have professional hold my hand to help him to achieve whatever this world can bring him,” said Lian Deabreu, a mom who brings her son to Valhallan.

It brings peace of mind for parents to know who is on the other end of the keyboard.

“I think it is fun to compete and play with other people…you can actually see the person you are playing with,” said Grayson Deabreu, who plays video games at Valhallan.

Outside of a controlled environment, it can be a scary place. The Pew Research survey found that 41% of teens have been called an offensive name while gaming, 12% received physical threats, and 8% have been sent unwanted sexually explicit content.

“We are all here to do the greater good, and we are here to protect children,” said Sgt. Kyle Glynn from the Central Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

There has been a steady increase in cyber tips since 2019, reaching nearly 28,000 tips in 2025. “On the gaming side, we see a lot of online enticement, so they start those conversations, they start the grooming, they build trust within the children, they find something in common,” Sgt. Glynn said.

There has been some progress with new federal laws requiring mandatory reporting, but there is a long way to go to crack down on companies complying with their investigations.

“Our ultimate goal is to catch guys who are hands on in progress, bust down their door and arrest them,” Glynn said.

As part of the task force in 17 counties in Central Florida, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office had more than 30 arrests alone in 2025.

“We obviously can’t just live in fear all the time. However, just be mindful,” Glynn said.

Education is key to making sure parents and kids are in charge of the controller at all times. “I think it is awesome that I have that opportunity and I am blessed,” Kairan said.

Esports arenas like the one in Altamonte Springs are starting to become a popular way to safely game for kids. Since that one opened in 2024, two others opened in Florida including in Orange City.

Besides speaking with your kids or taking them to an esports arena, Glynn highly recommends “Bark.” It is an app where parents can monitor content, get alerts, block websites and even track location. That way, parents are always in the know about what is happening on their child’s devices.