Staying Safe in Game Chat

Lots of online games let you chat with other players by typing messages or talking through a headset. Chatting can be part of the fun, but it is important to know how to stay safe — because you cannot always be sure who you are really talking to.

You Do Not Know Who They Really Are

In a game, someone might say they are the same age as you, but you cannot know for sure. People can pretend to be anyone online. That is why you should never share your real name, where you live, what school you go to, or any other private information in game chat — even if the other person seems really friendly.

What to Do If Someone Is Mean or Weird

If someone in a game says something mean, rude, or that makes you feel uncomfortable, you can mute them, block them, or report them using the game's tools. You do not have to explain why — just do it. Then tell a grown-up what happened. You should never feel like you have to put up with someone being unkind to you.

Keep It About the Game

The safest way to chat in games is to keep the conversation about the game itself — things like tactics, strategies, and fun moments. If someone starts asking personal questions or wants you to move to a different app to chat, that is a warning sign. Stick to the game's own chat and let a grown-up know if someone is trying to get you to chat somewhere else.