Social media and gaming

Helping Your Child Use Social Media and Games Safely

Social media and online games can help children communicate, be creative and have fun. A few simple checks can help make these experiences safer.

Social Media Safety

Social media accounts can include personal profiles, photographs, videos, comments, private messages and live location information.

Check these settings together

• Is the account set to private?
• Who can send messages and friend requests?
• Who can see photographs, videos and posts?
• Is location sharing switched off?
• Can other people add your child to groups?
• Can other people download or share their content?
• Does your child know how to block and report someone?
• Is your child's personal information visible?

NSPCC Social Media Guidance Social Media Safety Guides

Is the game suitable for your child's age?

• Can your child communicate with other players?
• Is voice chat switched on?
• Who can send friend requests or private messages?
• Can purchases be made without adult approval?
• Can your child's location be seen?
• Does the game contain user-created content?
• Does your child know how to leave, block and report?

UK Safer Internet Centre Gaming Advice NSPCC Online Gaming Guidance

Check the Age Rating

Age ratings can help parents understand whether a game is suitable. They are not a measure of how difficult a game is.

Look at both the age rating and the content information before allowing your child to play a new game.

Understand PEGI Age Ratings

• Do not share an adult account with your child.
• Require a password or PIN for every purchase.
• Use a child account where available.
• Remove stored payment details if they are not needed.
• Review subscriptions and transaction history.
• Explain that virtual items still cost real money.

Start a Simple Conversation

You could ask:

• Which apps and games do you enjoy?
• Who do you talk to when you are online?
• Can people you do not know contact you?
• Has anyone said or done something that made you uncomfortable?
• Do you know how to block or report another person?
• What would you do if someone asked for personal information?
• Can you show me the privacy settings?

Try to listen without immediately removing the device. Children are more likely to ask for help when they know they will be listened to.

Information Your Child Should Keep Private

• Passwords and security codes
• Home address
• School name and location
• Telephone number
• Live location
• Travel arrangements and daily routines
• Private photographs, videos and documents
• Payment and banking information

When to Check In

Talk to your child if you notice a change connected with social media or gaming, such as:

• Trying to hide messages or online activity
• Receiving repeated unwanted contact
• Pressure to share photographs or personal information
• Unexpected purchases or missing money
• Arguments, threats or bullying involving other users
• A sudden change in how long they spend online
• A person online asking them to keep a secret

A change does not always mean something harmful has happened, but it can be a useful time to talk and review the account together.

Has Something Happened Online?

Stay calm, listen to your child and reassure them that asking for help was the right thing to do.

1. Check that your child is safe.
2. Ask them to explain what happened.
3. Use the platform's block and report tools.
4. Change the account password if necessary.
5. Contact the school if the concern affects school or involves another pupil.
6. Seek safeguarding or police help where necessary.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.

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UK Safer Internet Centre

Advice about gaming, social media, online bullying, reporting and conversations.

Internet Matters

Practical guidance about games, social media, apps, privacy and parental controls.

LGfL ParentSafe

Parent guidance covering apps, online risks, conversations, controls and reporting.

NSPCC Online Safety

Guidance about social media, games, parental controls and online concerns.