Suspicious Contact Through Online Gaming
Your child has been communicating with someone through an online game who is making you uncomfortable — perhaps an older player who is giving gifts, asking to move conversations to private channels, requesting personal information, or encouraging secrecy.
Online gaming is a normal and often positive part of many children's lives, and most interactions with other players are harmless. However, gaming platforms can be used by those who want to exploit children, because the shared gaming experience builds trust quickly. If something about your child's gaming contact feels wrong, trust your instincts. This guidance will help you assess the situation and take appropriate action.
What to do now
Observe Before Intervening
If the situation is not immediately dangerous, take some time to understand the relationship. Watch your child's behaviour around gaming sessions — are they secretive, defensive, or emotionally different after playing? Note the game, the other player's username, and how they communicate.
✗ Do not: Do not immediately ban gaming or uninstall the game without a conversation — this cuts off your line of communication and your child's trust.
Talk to Your Child About the Contact
Show interest in their gaming life. Ask who they play with, what they enjoy, and who their online friends are. Then gently explore the concerning contact: 'Tell me about [username] — how did you start playing together?'
Look for Grooming Indicators
Be alert to: gift-giving (in-game items, top-up cards, subscriptions), requests to move to a private messaging app, asking for real name/school/age/photos, encouraging secrecy ('don't tell your parents'), excessive flattery, or age-inappropriate conversations.
Adjust Privacy and Communication Settings
Review the game's privacy settings together. Disable voice and text chat with strangers, turn off direct messaging from non-friends, and ensure your child's profile does not reveal personal information. Many games have specific child safety settings.
Report If Necessary
If the contact shows signs of grooming or exploitation, report to CEOP. Also report the player to the game's moderation team. If your child has shared personal information or images, follow the relevant emergency guidance on this site.
What not to do
- ✗Do not contact the suspicious player yourself through the game — this alerts them and could compromise evidence.
- ✗Do not dismiss concerns because 'it's just a game'. Relationships formed in games feel very real to children.
- ✗Do not assume only girls are targeted. Boys are equally at risk of grooming through gaming platforms.
- ✗Do not delete or uninstall the game before preserving evidence of the concerning interactions.
Preserving evidence
Why this matters
If you need to report to authorities or a platform, evidence can help.
- •Screenshot the suspicious player's in-game profile, username, and any messages or chat logs. Many games have a chat history feature.
- •If voice chat was used, note what was said and when. Some platforms allow screen recording.
- •Record any gifts, in-game items, or real-world payments the contact has given your child.
How to talk to your child
- ✓Approach from a place of curiosity, not accusation. 'I'd love to understand more about who you play with' is more effective than 'Who is this person and what do they want?'
- ✓Explain that some adults use games to get close to young people, and that this is not the child's fault if it happens. Compare it to stranger awareness in the physical world.
- ✓Reassure your child that reporting a gaming friend will not result in them losing all their gaming privileges. Focus on one specific concern, not a general crackdown.
Who to contact
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
If the contact shows signs of grooming, has asked for images, personal information, or a meeting
Online reporting available 24/7
NSPCC Helpline
For advice on whether the contact is concerning and what steps to take
24/7, 365 days a year
Childline
For children who want to discuss their gaming relationship with a trained counsellor
24/7, 365 days a year
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
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Quick Reference — Suspicious Contact Through Online Gaming
Suspicious Contact Through Online Gaming — Quick Reference
Safe Child Guide — safechildguide.com
Do this:
- 1. If the situation is not immediately dangerous, take some time to understand the relationship. Watch your child's behaviour around gaming sessions — are they secretive, defensive, or emotionally different after playing? Note the game, the other player's username, and how they communicate.
- 2. Show interest in their gaming life. Ask who they play with, what they enjoy, and who their online friends are. Then gently explore the concerning contact: 'Tell me about [username] — how did you start playing together?'
- 3. Be alert to: gift-giving (in-game items, top-up cards, subscriptions), requests to move to a private messaging app, asking for real name/school/age/photos, encouraging secrecy ('don't tell your parents'), excessive flattery, or age-inappropriate conversations.
- 4. Review the game's privacy settings together. Disable voice and text chat with strangers, turn off direct messaging from non-friends, and ensure your child's profile does not reveal personal information. Many games have specific child safety settings.
- 5. If the contact shows signs of grooming or exploitation, report to CEOP. Also report the player to the game's moderation team. If your child has shared personal information or images, follow the relevant emergency guidance on this site.
Do NOT do this:
- ✗ Do not contact the suspicious player yourself through the game — this alerts them and could compromise evidence.
- ✗ Do not dismiss concerns because 'it's just a game'. Relationships formed in games feel very real to children.
- ✗ Do not assume only girls are targeted. Boys are equally at risk of grooming through gaming platforms.
- ✗ Do not delete or uninstall the game before preserving evidence of the concerning interactions.
Stay calm. You are doing the right thing by looking for help. Your child needs your support, not your panic.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-01