2
12 minutes
Recognising Gaming Risks
The main safety risks in online gaming and how to spot them.
Communication risks
Voice chat, text chat, and private messaging in games create opportunities for inappropriate contact, bullying, and grooming. Many parents don't realise their child can communicate with strangers through gaming.
Key takeaway
If a game has chat features, it carries communication risks — even if it looks like 'just a game'.
Content and spending risks
In-app purchases, loot boxes, and age-inappropriate content are common in games marketed to children. Children may spend real money without realising it, or encounter mature content in user-generated game worlds.
Key takeaway
Check your payment settings and game content ratings. In-app purchases can add up quickly.