Staying Safe While Playing Games Online
Practical safety tips for young children who play online games, including advice about chat, friends lists and in-game purchases.
Games are for fun — keep your info private, check before you spend, and take breaks.
Online games can be brilliant fun — building worlds, solving puzzles and playing with friends. But just like in the playground, there are some simple rules that help keep you safe. This page helps you enjoy gaming while staying safe and happy.
Be Careful About Who You Talk To
In many games, you can chat with other players. Remember that you do not really know who is on the other side of the screen — even if they say they are a child, they might not be. Keep your private information to yourself (your real name, school, where you live), and stick to talking about the game. If someone says something that makes you uncomfortable, you can mute them or leave.
Check Before You Buy
Some games ask you to buy things inside the game — like skins, gems or extra lives. Always ask a grown-up before you buy anything, even if it seems cheap. Some games make it easy to spend money without realising. If you are not sure whether something costs real money, ask before you tap.
Take Breaks and Have Fun Offline Too
Games are designed to keep you playing, and it is easy to lose track of time. Try to take a break every hour — have a snack, go outside, or do something else you enjoy. If a game makes you feel angry, frustrated or stressed, it is okay to stop playing. Games should be fun, not something that makes you feel bad.
If you ever need someone to talk to, you can call Childline for free on 0800 1111.
Related Resources
Was this page helpful?
Last reviewed: 2026-03-29