My son wastes his free time playing online games, where he plays through the Internet with others.
That is too bad, at least he is being sociable and learning skills about computers by playing on them.
Yes, many online games have their own communities, but you never know who he is talking to.  I try to monitor as much as practical without being invasive.
That is true, there are a lot of dangerous people out there.  How old is he?
Online games have players of all ages, and thankfully my son just turned 17 so I hope he uses the scruples I gave him!  
I am sure he is and at 17 he has grown up with this technology so hopefully he understands how the predators work and he is careful on there!
game can range from being minor features, such as an online leaderboard, to being part of core gameplay, such as directly playing against other players. Many online games create their own online communities, while other games, especially social games, integrate the players' existing real-life communities.
The culture of online gaming sometimes faces criticisms for an environment that can promote cyberbullying, violence, and xenophobia. Some are also concerned about gaming addiction or social stigma. Online games have attracted players from a variety of ages,
Online Centres Network
The Online Centres Network is a UK-based network which helps communities tackle social and digital exclusion.
Good Things Foundation coordinates the Online Centres Network of 5,000 community partners, who provide free or low-cost access to computers and the internet. The organisation also provide training and support to hundreds of volunteers, centre staff and community leaders, helping them to work within their own communities.
Over 2 million people have been helped to improve their skills through the Online Centres Network to date, with many