November 24 2025
Online gaming safety
Online gaming is a huge part of many young people’s lives, a place where they socialise, play, create, and relax. For many, it’s a positive and rewarding hobby. But like any online environment, gaming brings risks that children and young people may not always recognise.
As part of our safeguarding focus, we want to help parents and carers feel confident in guiding their child’s online gaming in a safe, healthy, and informed way. Below is a clear, practical guide to support you at home.
Why online gaming matters
From collaborative building games to fast-paced adventures and competitive esports, online gaming offers social connection and fun. However, its interactive nature can expose young people to:
- Strangers in chat rooms or voice chats
- Inappropriate language or behaviour
- In-game purchases and financial risks
- Cyberbullying, trolling, and griefing
- Pressure to play for long periods
- Content that may not be age-appropriate
Understanding these risks is the first step in helping your child stay safe.
Helping your child stay safe online
Here are some practical ways to support safe gaming at home:
Know what they’re playing
Ask your child which games they enjoy and why. Check:
- The PEGI age rating
- Whether the game includes voice or text chat
- Whether it allows communication with strangers
You don’t need to be an expert, just taking an interest helps build trust and encourages open conversation.
Use built-in safety features and parental controls
Most consoles, phones, and platforms allow you to:
- Restrict chat or voice communication
- Block or report other players
- Limit playtime
- Prevent unauthorised purchases
Tools such as Xbox Family Settings, PlayStation Family Management, Nintendo Parental Controls, and phone provider settings can make a big difference.
Talk openly about in-game behaviour
Young people need guidance on:
- How to behave respectfully online
- What to do if someone is unkind, threatening, or inappropriate
- Why sharing personal information (even in a game) is unsafe
- How to block, mute, or report problematic players
Encourage them to tell you if something happens that makes them uncomfortable.
Be aware of in-game purchases
Loot boxes, skins, upgrades, and in-game currencies can lead to unexpected costs and pressure from peers.
Set clear expectations about:
- Whether purchases are allowed
- Spending limits
- Asking permission first
Most platforms allow you to require a password or pin for any purchase.
Encourage a healthy balance
It’s easy for gaming sessions to stretch into hours. Help your child develop healthy habits by:
- Setting agreed playtimes
- Encouraging breaks
- Keeping devices out of bedrooms at night
- Balancing gaming with schoolwork, sleep, and offline activities
Keep communication open
Young people often don’t report harmful experiences because they worry they’ll “lose their game.”
Reassure your child that:
- They won’t get in trouble for speaking up
- You’re there to help them stay safe
Together you will find solutions
Helping your child stay safe online
Here are some practical ways to support safe gaming at home:
Know what they’re playing
Ask your child which games they enjoy and why. Check:
- The PEGI age rating
- Whether the game includes voice or text chat
- Whether it allows communication with strangers
You don’t need to be an expert, just taking an interest helps build trust and encourages open conversation.
Use built-in safety features and parental controls
Most consoles, phones, and platforms allow you to:
- Restrict chat or voice communication
- Block or report other players
- Limit playtime
- Prevent unauthorised purchases
Tools such as Xbox Family Settings, PlayStation Family Management, Nintendo Parental Controls, and phone provider settings can make a big difference.
Talk openly about in-game behaviour
Young people need guidance on:
- How to behave respectfully online
- What to do if someone is unkind, threatening, or inappropriate
- Why sharing personal information (even in a game) is unsafe
- How to block, mute, or report problematic players
Encourage them to tell you if something happens that makes them uncomfortable.
Be aware of in-game purchases
Loot boxes, skins, upgrades, and in-game currencies can lead to unexpected costs and pressure from peers.
Set clear expectations about:
- Whether purchases are allowed
- Spending limits
- Asking permission first
Most platforms allow you to require a password or pin for any purchase.
Encourage a healthy balance
It’s easy for gaming sessions to stretch into hours. Help your child develop healthy habits by:
- Setting agreed playtimes
- Encouraging breaks
- Keeping devices out of bedrooms at night
- Balancing gaming with schoolwork, sleep, and offline activities
Keep communication open
Young people often don’t report harmful experiences because they worry they’ll “lose their game.”
Reassure your child that:
- They won’t get in trouble for speaking up
- You’re there to help them stay safe
Together you will find solutions
We’re here to help
If you ever have concerns about your child’s online safety, whether gaming, social media, or general internet use, please get in touch. Our safeguarding and wellbeing teams are always available to offer guidance, resources, and support.
Online gaming can be a wonderful social and creative space for young people. With the right conversations, settings, and support, it can also be a safe one.
Thank you for reading
Written by Natalie Hollins,
Parent Support Associate
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