Online gaming

Find out what online gaming is and how you can help your child play safely.

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What is online gaming

Online gaming allows you to play games on internet connected devices.

It is popular with children and young people as it allows them to play with or against others in an online environment.

Online games can be grouped into a few different types. These include:

• puzzle solving or creative games (like Minecraft)
• multiplayer online roleplaying games (like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy)
• action and adventure games that explore different worlds (like Call of Duty)
• strategy games (like Total War, Command or Conquer)
• games with simple objectives (like Candy Crush)
  

Age ratings

All video games must have an age rating under UK law, and the Games Rating Authority (GRA) uses the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system to do this.

This means that games with a PEGI rating of 12, 16 or 18 cannot be sold or hired by someone that does not meet the age requirement. These ratings can help you choose an age-appropriate game for your child.

The Family Gaming Database 
The Family Gaming Database can help you find a game that is safe for your child to use.

Where can children access online games

Your child can access online games through many different digital devices that connect to the internet. For example, online games can be played on:

• consoles (like PlayStation and Xbox)
• apps (like Candy Crush)
• websites
• phones
• tablets
• virtual reality headsets
• computers and laptops

How online games can be harmful

Online games can help children learn valuable skills and be beneficial to their development.

For example, they could learn problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and how to build social connections through communication and teamwork. 

However, it’s important to understand what things could be harmful in online games, before your child gets access to them.

For example, they may be able to talk to strangers online through voice activated chats or message facilities the game provides.

Other dangers in online gaming:

• unwanted contact from strangers (who could want to cause distress or exploitation)
• trolling and being bullied (deliberately disrupting the game, trying to provoke people or being abusive)
• seeing content or language inappropriate for their age
• having access to in game purchases (any fee paid by a game player to buy in game content such as virtual money or items)
• gaming scams (such as being sent phishing messages to steal someone’s login details or account)

Did you know?

Ofcom’s Online Experiences Tracker shows that 45% of 13 to 17 year old’s are concerned about one-off abusive behaviour or threats playing online games.

Top tips

Here are some top tips you can do to help make online gaming safer for your child.

To help protect your child you could:

• set up appropriate parental controls
• review friend requests and friend lists with them
• manage passwords and who has access to them
• restrict in game or account purchases or payments
• limit chat features to friends only
• talk to them about what information should not be shared (like their full name, where they live or go to school)
• learn how to recognise changes in your child’s behaviour that might be caused by online bullying
• know how to report unacceptable behaviour in an online game
• only allow access to games suitable for your child’s age

How to find age appropriate content

The Family Gaming database or Common Sense Media could help you find a website, game, or app safe for your child to use.

The Games Rating Authority provides information about age ratings and overview of any specific areas of concern in the game, such as language used.

Think about how much time your child spends playing online games

Playing games online with friends can be a fun activity and good for your child’s wellbeing, but it’s important to think about how much time they spend doing it.

For example, you may want to consider:

• setting limits on how much time they spend playing games online
• making sure your child spends time with family and friends away from screens
• how school or homework should take a priority before online games
• if you need to create family agreements for when games can be played online

Next steps  

These resources provide information on keeping children safe while playing online games:

Get tips on how to talk to your child about being safe online

NSPCC – Keeping children safe while gaming offers advice on the risks and playing games online safely

Internet Matters provides advice for online gaming safely including information on specific games and has guides and advice for parents on gaming resources to manage gaming risks

Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) has advice on what parents and carers need to know about online gaming

CEOP’s ‘Band runner’ game is aimed at 8 to 10 year old’s and teaches them about staying safe online or gaming

Mindful Gaming provides therapy and support for individuals with gaming disorders

The National Centre for Gaming Disorders offers support and therapy for gaming addiction

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