Gaming Safety: Staying Safe While Having Fun
A conversation guide covering in-game chat, spending, screen time, and recognising unsafe behaviour in gaming environments.
Gaming is one of the most popular activities for children and teens, and most of it is perfectly healthy. However, online multiplayer games introduce risks from strangers, in-app spending, and excessive screen time. This conversation helps you set boundaries while keeping gaming fun.
When to have this conversation
Before your child starts playing online multiplayer games, or when you notice they are spending increasing amounts of time gaming.
Before you start
- • Find out which games your child plays and spend a few minutes watching or trying them yourself.
- • Check the PEGI age rating for each game and understand what the content descriptors mean.
- • Look at your recent bank or app store statements for any unexpected in-game purchases.
Conversation by age group
"I want to chat about your gaming — nothing bad, I just want to make sure you are having fun safely."
parent
"I have noticed you really enjoy playing online. Can you tell me who you play with?"
child
"Mostly my friends from school, but sometimes random people join."
parent
"That is quite normal, but remember — never tell anyone online your real name, your school, or where you live. And if someone says something that makes you feel weird, mute them and tell me."
parent
"Also, let's agree that you will always ask me before buying anything in a game, even if it says it is free."
Many children do not realise that 'free' games contain paid items.
Tips for this age
- • Use parental controls to disable in-game chat or limit it to friends only.
- • Set a timer together so screen time limits feel collaborative rather than imposed.
"Let's have a quick chat about gaming. I am not going to stop you playing — I just want us to be on the same page."
parent
"Gaming is great, but I want to check — has anyone online ever asked you personal questions or tried to get you to move to a different app to chat?"
child
"No, I do not think so."
parent
"Good. If that ever happens, it is a red flag. Genuine gamers do not need your personal details. And if someone asks you to chat privately outside the game, let me know."
parent
"Let's also talk about spending. I know skins and battle passes feel important. How about we agree on a monthly budget together?"
Tips for this age
- • Agree on a small monthly gaming budget to teach financial awareness alongside safety.
- • Encourage them to play in shared spaces so you can casually keep an eye on interactions.
Follow-up actions
- → Review parental controls on all gaming devices and ensure in-game chat settings are appropriate.
- → Set up purchase approval on your app store so any spending requires your authorisation.
Related safety topics
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.