Will your kids be playing video games during the holidays?
Here is an expert resource designed to help young people to game online safely.
Online gaming is hugely popular with children and young people.
Research conducted by OFCOM shows that gaming is still one of the top activities enjoyed by 5-16 year olds online, with many of them gaming via mobile devices and going online using their games console. Online safety advice applies to online gaming as risks can be present in the game’s content and chat features.
Top tips
Read reviews and be aware of the risks
Before a young person buys or downloads a new game, check its rating first to be aware of any potential risks. You can read guidance on Common Sense Media. You can also find out more about PEGI age ratings and content descriptors by visiting Ask About Games.
Explore reporting and blocking features together
Most games will have reporting and blocking tools which a young person can use if anything worries or upsets them within a game. Explore these features together and encourage young people to use them. Always give as much information and context as you can when filling in a report.
Encourage safe choices
Make sure young people know not to share their personal information or anyone else’s when playing online games. This includes whilst chatting within a game or creating profiles. Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult and ask for help if someone is pressuring them to share personal information or if they are asked to meet up in real life. You can report this kind of online communication to CEOP.
Take control of in-app purchases
Purchases need to be carefully managed or a young person could quickly end up spending more money than they had intended to. Find out how to turn off or restrict in-app purchases through The App Store, Google Play or Windows Store.
Establish and support with realistic boundaries
Whilst gaming can be a great way to relax, have fun and engage with others, most games have been specifically designed to ‘hook’ a user in and keep them playing. Try to set fair time limits and make these clear to your child. Avoid interrupting their game and asking them to turn it off straight away, as this may upset them, especially if it means they lose points or progress.
Conversation starters
- What do you enjoy about online gaming? What benefits does it have for you?
- Do you think online gaming can ever have a negative impact on us?
- What happens when you’ve been playing online games for too long? What happens to your body, to your mood, and to your device?
- What would you do if something ever worried or annoyed you within a game? How would you support others?
- Who could you talk to if you were worried about anything within an online game?