How can I decide if an online game is safe for my child?
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There are many questions you can ask yourself to determine if a game is safe for your child.
Here are a few that our friends at Kidas recommend:
- What is the game’s content rating? The ESRB assigns age ratings to games starting from E (for Everyone) to A (Adults only). You can quickly check the content rating of any game on the market by typing its title into the ESRB search engine.
- Does the game include chat? Many online video games incorporate voice and text chat. Before your child begins playing a game, look into the types of communication that are enabled. Many games and gaming platforms have parental controls that allow you to manage some of the communication settings. Some games require gamers to collaborate through chat with one another in order to win, while others do not. Try to gain an understanding of the purpose of the chats in each game while also utilizing the parental controls offered.
- With whom will your kids have contact while playing? Every game encourages its own kind of social environment. In some games and chats you can enable chats "friends only" while other games are open to more strangers. Nonetheless, in many cases, your child will be interacting with people online that they don't know in real life.
- Is webcam functionality included? Some games and gaming community chat services encourage members to film themselves when playing. Parents should know what their kids are filming and understand the context of their online activities.
- Can you monitor how your kid plays? Find out how much information the game provides about your child’s time playing it. Some games keep extensive records of player actions, while others keep almost no information at all. There is software on the market to monitor how your kids play. You can find one online that suits your needs best.
- Does the game feature in-app purchases? If your child is playing a game with in-app purchases, make sure you retain control over the transaction mechanism. If a game doesn’t let you block payments, you may wish to unlink your credit card from it entirely.
- Does the online community have moderators? Moderators are an important part of any online social community. In gaming communities, they often act as referees and tech support personnel, helping ensure an age-appropriate experience for everyone.
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If you have more questions about online gaming safety, check out our in-depth guide, Family guide to video gaming.
Some of these are questions you should ask your child directly. Others are questions you’ll have to find answers for online – preferably from the game’s developer or publisher.
Other questions
How do I set up a Parent Pin on Roblox? What’s it for?
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Lock access to your child’s Roblox account settings by creating a four-digit PIN. Once enabled, there will be an additional layer of security to protect their account details — including your password, email address, and privacy settings.
My 8-year old wants to play Fortnite. Is it safe?
Only you can determine what is appropriate for your family. Many parents refer to The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings when making these types of decisions. The ESRB has given Fortnite a T (Teenagers) rating with a Content Descriptor for Violence and Interactive Elements.
My child was exposed to some inappropriate content on Roblox. I feel awful and don’t know what they saw. What should I do?
Unfortunately, you can't guarantee that your children won't see inappropriate content online — accidentally or intentionally. Start by talking to your child about what they saw. Provide a safe space. Many children keep problems secret from their parents because they fear they might get in trouble.
What are your tips for parents struggling to set boundaries for their kids who want to spend all their time gaming?
Setting boundaries is an important way to help your child spend less time gaming, but we know it’s easier said than done.
How do I know if my kid is addicted to gaming?
Many video games are designed to keep kids engaged by creating rewarding experiences that cause the brain to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that causes feelings of pleasure.
My 8-year old wants to play Fortnite. Is it safe?
Only you can determine what is appropriate for your family. Many parents refer to The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings when making these types of decisions. The ESRB has given Fortnite a T (Teenagers) rating with a Content Descriptor for Violence and Interactive Elements.
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