What Parents Need to Know About Among Us
If your child has ever accused someone of being “sus” or asked to play a game where they’re a crewmate or an impostor, you’ve already had a brush with Among Us. What started as a quiet 2018 release quickly became a pop culture juggernaut, especially during lockdowns—popping up in classrooms, group chats, and even political livestreams.
But what exactly is Among Us, and should you be concerned when your child hops on for another round? This guide breaks down the basics, safety features, and social dynamics parents need to know—so you can decide if it’s all fun and games, or if there’s more lurking in the airlock.
Game Overview
Among Us is a multiplayer video game set in space, usually on a spaceship or space station. Players enter a virtual lobby, and the game randomly assigns them one of two roles: Crewmate or Imposter. These roles decide what each player will do during the game.
Crewmates work together to keep the ship running by completing assigned tasks. These tasks appear as mini-games, like connecting wires or swiping ID cards. As Crewmates complete tasks, a progress bar fills up. At the same time, they must stay alert—some players are secretly Imposters trying to trick them.
Imposters pretend to be Crewmates while secretly sabotaging the ship and eliminating players. They aim to create chaos and avoid being caught. Unlike Crewmates, Imposters know who their fellow Imposters are, which gives them an advantage.
A key part of the game is the meeting system. Players can only talk to each other during emergency meetings, which happen if someone reports a fallen Crewmate or presses the emergency button. During these meetings, players share what they’ve seen, raise suspicions, and vote on who they think the Imposter is. If someone gets enough votes, they are removed from the game.
Each match lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. Crewmates win if they finish all tasks or successfully vote out all Imposters. Imposters win if they outnumber the Crewmates or sabotage a system that isn’t fixed in time.
The game includes three different maps, each with unique layouts and tasks. Players can quickly rejoin new rounds after each game. The mix of teamwork, problem-solving, and deception makes Among Us a unique and engaging experience in the gaming world.
How to Get Started With Among Us
To play Among Us, a person needs a compatible device and access to the game. It’s free to download on Android and iOS phones or tablets. Players using a Windows PC or Nintendo Switch can purchase the game through Steam or the Nintendo eShop. Some Chromebooks can run Among Us if they support apps from the Google Play Store.
| Device Type | Cost | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Android/iOS | Free | App Store/Google Play |
| Windows PC | $4.99 USD | Steam |
| Nintendo Switch | About $5.00 USD | Nintendo eShop |
| Chromebook | Free (with app) | Google Play Store |
Players don’t need to create an account or enter an email to start playing, which makes setup quick and easy—especially for kids. They can join games online without sharing personal information. Among Us also supports cross-platform play, so friends can play together even if they’re using different devices. The game features teamwork, simple tasks, and light cartoon-style action.
Is There Violence in Among Us?
Among Us contains some mild violence, mainly shown through short “kill animations.” When an Imposter eliminates a Crewmate, the game briefly shows actions like stabbing, shooting, or neck-snapping. These scenes are not graphic—the cartoon style and lack of realistic blood make them much less intense than those in most video games.
Most of the time, players focus on completing tasks or discussions. The graphics are colorful and simple, and when a player is eliminated, the body appears more like a cartoon ham than a human figure. This choice softens the impact of the scene for younger audiences.
Imposters don’t actually see the full animation when they eliminate another player. For them, the Crewmate simply turns into a cartoon-like body. Since each player can only be attacked once per round, and eliminations are spaced out, players are not constantly shown these scenes. The game’s visual style and brief scenes help keep the tone light, even when players are being eliminated.
Does Among Us Make Kids More Aggressive?
Another concern is whether the game affects children’s behavior or emotions. Research shows that playing games like Among Us does not cause children to become violent or aggressive. Studies have found no strong link between these games and aggressive behavior.
While too much screen time can sometimes lead to frustration or mood changes, this is more about the amount of time spent on devices than the content of the game itself. If a child spends a lot of time playing, it likely means they enjoy the game and may just need help balancing screen use with other activities.
Does Among Us Encourage Kids to Spend Money?
Among Us is free to play, but it offers in-game purchases that often catch kids’ attention. These purchases are mostly cosmetic items like skins, hats, and pets that change how a character looks. These visual extras don’t improve gameplay or provide any advantage—they simply let players customize their appearance.
Most of these items cost between $1 and $4. Kids might ask parents to buy them, especially if they see friends using cool outfits or pets. However, Among Us doesn’t pressure players to spend money. The game already includes several free colors and hats to help kids enjoy the experience without buying extras.
Is It Safe to Play With Strangers?
When children join public lobbies in Among Us, they often play with people they don’t know. Each game includes 4 to 10 players, usually from different parts of the world. The game doesn’t use voice chat, but players can send text messages during emergency meetings. These short chats last about 30 seconds and are the main way players talk about what happened.
The game has a basic filter to block bad language, but the text chat is not heavily moderated. Children may still come across rude words, bullying, or other inappropriate messages that the filter misses. If parents are concerned, they can enable the chat censor in the game’s settings to help reduce this risk.
To avoid strangers completely, kids can play private games with friends. They can create a private lobby using a special code, which only invited players can use. This makes the game safer and keeps communication limited to people the child already knows.
Can Kids Actually Benefit From Playing?
Despite some concerns, the game also offers possible learning and social benefits. Knowing how the game works and using terms like “sus” or “venting” allows them to join in group chats and jokes, which can make them feel included at school. Being part of these conversations can support friendships and reduce feelings of being left out.
The game also encourages logical thinking and teamwork. Players work together to complete tasks, share clues, and figure out who might be lying. These activities help improve communication and critical thinking skills. The social nature of the game can be especially helpful when face-to-face interactions are limited.
Because some parts of the game involve tricking others, children should understand the difference between game behavior and real life. Learning when it’s okay to use certain social skills helps kids enjoy the game while also practicing positive habits outside of it.
Is Among Us Right for Your Child?
Deciding if your child should play Among Us depends on their age and emotional maturity. The game is generally recommended for kids aged 10 and up because it includes mild cartoon-style violence and encourages lying and guessing as part of the gameplay. Parents can join the first few rounds to play together, which helps them see if the child is comfortable and understands how the game works socially.
The music and suspense of finding impostors can sometimes feel intense, but a calm adult nearby can ease any nervousness. Talking about the game’s focus on lying and teamwork is a good way to teach honesty, decision-making, and trust. For added safety, it’s best to encourage kids to play only with people they know, and to let them leave the game if they ever feel upset or uneasy.
Among Us can be more than just a fun online game—it can be a chance for kids to connect, think critically, and enjoy teamwork in a playful setting. With its simple design and social features, it offers both entertainment and learning when used mindfully.
As with any game, the key is balance. By understanding how Among Us works and setting a few ground rules, parents can turn screen time into a shared experience that’s both safe and meaningful for the whole family.
