10 Online Safety Tips for Gaming National Cybersecurity Alliance

Artificial intelligence (AI) can pose several risks to children who engage in online gaming. 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. 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. It’s also helpful to guide children toward games that have natural stopping points and avoid those designed to be endlessly engaging or addictive. Preventing online gaming addiction in children starts with creating a healthy balance in their daily lives.
Note that you might have to restart your device for the updates to fully install. Just because a game is available on a trusted app store, doesn’t guarantee it is a safe app to download. Using a password manager has never been easier – many smartphones and web browsers include password managers. And, yes, you should have a unique password for each online account. The strongest passwords are at least 12 characters long and include letters, numbers and symbols.
More than 8 in 10 teens say they have a game console at home or have access to one, and 90% say they play video games on a computer, game console or cellphone, according to the Pew Research Center. Yes, this guide includes supportive steps and resources for families facing these challenges. This resource is 100% free to help parents and caregivers navigate digital safety conversations. We’ve put together a helpful guide that covers connecting with people online, identifying grooming behavior, and covers the increasing threat of sextortion.

Gaming Disorder

It is commonly used in everyday language, particularly by concerned parents, educators, or the media, and does not have a standardized definition or recognized medical criteria. If kids play online, that is a pornographer’s heyday for marketing, grooming and hooking young consumers. The lack of strict age verification and effective parental controls can make it difficult to shield young players from these influences, raising serious concerns about their safety and well-being in digital environments. Additionally, online multiplayer games often lack sufficient moderation, allowing inappropriate language, behaviors, and even predatory interactions to occur.

• 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.
• Additionally, AI-driven chatbots or in-game characters may interact with players in ways that blur the lines between real and artificial relationships, potentially exposing children to inappropriate content or manipulation.
• The immersive nature of VR also heightens concerns about exposure to violent, sexual, or disturbing content, as it can feel more personal and immediate than traditional gaming.
• The strongest passwords are at least 12 characters long and include letters, numbers and symbols.
• Offensive and defensive strategies designed to protect the innocence and safety of children in the digital world.
• Consider their other responsibilities such as chores and schoolwork when deciding on play time.

Online Gaming risks and concerns include the following:

Many of these games, while seemingly age-appropriate on the surface, contain avatars, dialogue, or user-generated content that promote unrealistic and often adult-themed depictions of sexuality. There is growing concern about the presence of sex and hypersexualized content in online games played by children. As entertaining as interactive gaming can be, parents should be aware that their children can speak using their own voice with strangers online. Online gaming devices are just like a computer and a lot of parents don’t realize that.

• Additionally, online multiplayer games often lack sufficient moderation, allowing inappropriate language, behaviors, and even predatory interactions to occur.
• Playing video games can provide children and young people with endless opportunities.
• Community is one of the many reasons that players choose to engage with different games for hours on end.
• Remember, many game makers default to the least secure settings, and you shouldn’t assume those default settings are set to what you would like.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) can pose several risks to children who engage in online gaming.
• 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.
• This means that if your child browses the console store, they can only access appropriate games.

Tips for 14 & over

Set controls on the console, platform or app your child plays video games on. Parents and caregivers need to be proactive and informed before allowing children and youth to take part in online gaming. 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. Virtual Reality (VR) introduces unique risks to children who engage in online gaming. AI can be exploited by malicious users to create realistic deepfakes or fake profiles that deceive and potentially groom vulnerable players.

Hurtful comments online can have a real impact on your mental health — if you feel like hurting yourself, you should reach out to someone you trust immediately. We have a database with info on blocking people on a bunch of platforms. 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. Think about how much personal information you provide on gaming account profiles. The more information you post, the easier it may be for a criminal to use that information to steal your identity, access your data, spin legend casino or commit other crimes, such as stalking. If a gaming system requires you to tie a specific payment method to your account, choose a credit card over a debit card.

Community is one of the many reasons that players choose to engage with different games for hours on end. Many players also use it as an opportunity to compete and socialise with others whether it be in person or online. Depending on the type of game, it can also offer players a platform where they can be imaginative and explore their own creativity. Usually there is a degree of skill involved that players need to develop in order to progress. Many games allow users to interact with others online through competitive or cooperative play, as well as communication features to allow more sociable interactions.
Agree on limits around how much time they spend gaming to help them balance their time online. Remember, technology tools are not a substitute for parental supervision as determined kids can usually find a work-around. The immersive nature of VR also heightens concerns about exposure to violent, sexual, or disturbing content, as it can feel more personal and immediate than traditional gaming. These risks highlight the need for stronger safety regulations and parental oversight in AI-powered gaming environments to protect young users.

Top tips to help kids have a safer gaming experience

In the digital age, it is so much easier for young people to connect and form relationships with individuals they only know online. 32% of minors report having an online-only contact they consider among their closest friends. Remember, many game makers default to the least secure settings, and you shouldn’t assume those default settings are set to what you would like. As soon as you get a new gaming console or try out a new game, open its privacy and security settings.