Your Guide to Video Game Safety for Safer Internet Day 2025

Whether you’re an eSports pro, killing a few spare minutes on your phone, or enjoying an endless fantasy realm for hours, who doesn’t love online gaming? Whether you’re a parent, guardian, teacher, coach, or community member, this knowledge helps you better support the young people around you. Every day, children navigate an increasingly complex digital world. Yes, this guide includes supportive steps and resources for families facing these challenges. This guide provides exactly what parents need to navigate these difficult conversations with confidence and care.”— Rachel R., Licensed Clinical Social Worker We’ve put together a helpful guide that covers connecting with people online, identifying grooming behavior, and covers the increasing threat of sextortion.
AI-powered algorithms are often used in games to enhance user engagement, which can lead to addictive behaviors, especially in children whose self-regulation skills are still developing. If online gaming disorder is suspected, seek the support of a licensed mental health practitioner with experience in treating this disorder. Boundaries may need to be re-established, but it’s often more effective to gradually reduce gaming time and replace it with other engaging, real-world activities. When you ask a child to cut back, for example, they may get really agitated.
“This is a worthy mission and I feel good knowing that I can help Thorn use data and technology to protect kids.”RAJEN, SOFTWARE DEVELOPER IN ARLINGTON, VA These aren’t distant problems, they’re happening in our communities, and even in our homes. From grooming and sextortion to AI-generated deepfake nudes, the threats are real — but so are the solutions. This resource is 100% free to help parents and caregivers navigate digital safety conversations. “As both a parent and licensed therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how digital threats affect young people’s mental health.
Safer Internet Day is a great reminder to make sure your kids are having fun and staying safe when playing video games online. Explore tech tools to help you find the right balance between engaging safeguards and building your child’s skills to use gaming features safely. Learn how to identify competition scams and get tips to help you stay safe online.

General safety tips

In the digital age, it is so much easier for young people to connect and form relationships with individuals they only know online. “Stranger danger” is no longer a cut-and-dry piece of advice.

If you’re uncomfortable online, ask a trusted adult for help

The right amount of game time is different for each child and family. What you need to know to avoid unexpected charges with games that offer in-app purchases or “loot boxes”. Before you start playing, check how to report, block or mute other players. Lots of games allow players to talk to one another while they play. Even when we’re enjoying gaming, after long periods it can impact the quality of our sleep, our moods and our balance and relationships in the real world. If this happens turn off the game and speak to an adult you trust.
Thorn, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting children from sexual exploitation in the digital age, developed this guide with child safety experts. Whether you’re deciding when kids should get their first phone or how to prepare kids for online access, this guide covers essential steps. Here are some tips and resources to help you make sure your kids continue to stay safe when playing games online. Netsafe’s Youth Action Squad (YAS) empowers young people to speak up, take action and support each other on the online safety issues that affect them. Keeping your accounts safe online is crucial for protecting your personal information from unauthorised access.

• When you ask a child to cut back, for example, they may get really agitated.
• Remember to be aware and tell your parents or another trusted adult if you feel upset or uncomfortable about what someone is saying to you or sending you.
• I was experiencing a lot of turmoil as a fifth, sixth grader, transitioning into middle school …I found a lot of solace in online gaming… I finally met a friend, his name was Adam, I was 12 years old.
• If online gaming disorder is suspected, seek the support of a licensed mental health practitioner with experience in treating this disorder.
• The guide includes easy-to-follow discussion scripts to help you start these critical conversations.

Parents and caregivers need to be proactive and informed before allowing children and youth to take part in online gaming. There is also the risk of AI being used to collect and analyze children’s personal data without proper consent, raising concerns about privacy and data security. It can also be used to create chatbots or fake profiles that mimic real people. Ultimately, the focus should be on fostering open communication, strengthening real-world connections, and supporting the child in building a healthier relationship with technology. If a child has already developed signs of this disorder, it’s crucial for parents to respond with empathy rather than anger. Teaching children to be self-aware of how gaming affects their mood and behavior can encourage healthier habits, and parents should model balanced tech use themselves to reinforce the importance of moderation.

What you’ll learn inside

There is growing concern about the presence of sex and hypersexualized content in online games played by children. This resource is 100% free to inform you about the threats https://lussurio.co.uk/ children face online and how you can help protect kids in your community. This guide to talking to kids about online safety includes tips for teaching kids device safety and choosing a safe first phone for kids.

Additionally, VR can create social risks, as children may interact with strangers in online multiplayer environments, which can expose them to cyberbullying, inappropriate language, or even predatory behavior. AI-driven recommendation systems (like in chat or game suggestions) can inadvertently expose children to inappropriate content or conversations that are not age-appropriate. Learn what to teach kids before giving them a phone and discover tips for parenting through online dangers.This comprehensive online grooming prevention resource is for parents with children beginning to build connections online. To mitigate these risks, parents should set clear usage boundaries, monitor content carefully, and ensure that their child takes regular breaks to avoid physical and psychological strain.

• Ultimately, the focus should be on fostering open communication, strengthening real-world connections, and supporting the child in building a healthier relationship with technology.
• The more information you post, the easier it may be for a criminal to use that information to steal your identity, access your data, or commit other crimes, such as stalking.
• Some of the people you might be playing with could be older than you.
• It can also be used to create chatbots or fake profiles that mimic real people.
• Starting a calm, supportive conversation can open the door to understanding the underlying reasons for excessive gaming.
• 84% of teens say they have or have access to a game console at home.90% say they play video games of any kind (whether on a computer, game console or cellphone).

Flip on MFA

If a stranger asks you to share a photo or to turn on your webcam, refuse. They don’t need to know your real name or any other personal information — they just need to find out how awesome you are at the game. And if a stranger asks you to share this information, say no. MFA includes biometrics (think face ID scans or fingerprint access), security keys, or apps that send you unique, one-time codes when you want to log on to an account. Before downloading any new gaming app on your device, make sure it’s legitimate.
Implementing both Safety “Rules” and Software “Tools” on all digital devices, online platforms and services used by your child will help to ensure a safer online experience for them, and peace of mind for you. These risks highlight the need for stronger safety regulations and parental oversight in AI-powered gaming environments to protect young users. Involving the child in the process of setting new routines can give them a sense of control and responsibility.