How To Keep Your Child Safe While Gaming Online

More than 45 million children in the U.S.play video games. For comparison, that’s over 80% of kids aged 5 to 18. Gaming is fun and social, but it also comes with risks. Kids can run into strangers, overspend on in-game extras, or play titles that aren’t right for their age group.

As a parent, your first line of defense is always monitoring your child’s internet activity, such as knowing what they’re doing online, who they’re talking to, and what apps or games they’re using. That’s just the baseline. Gaming brings a few extra challenges you’ll want to be ready for.

But the truth is that, no matter how much you try, you can't stop kids from playing games. There's a market entirely designed for them. Besides, the longer you try to prevent them from playing, the sooner they'll find unsafe ways to play. This is the last, you need when you're trying to keep your kids safe online. 

Talk About Online Interactions

Most online games let players talk to each other, either through text chat or a headset. For kids, that can make the game more exciting and social, but it also opens the door to risks. 

Trash talk can quickly turn into bullying, and not everyone your child meets online has good intentions.

The best way to protect them is to keep the conversation open at home. Remind your child that if another player ever makes them feel uncomfortable, they should come straight to you. Let them know it’s okay to block or mute other players who cross the line. 

More importantly, encourage respect in how they talk to others. This also makes sure they know how to recognize red flags, like someone asking for personal information or trying to move the conversation outside the game.

Manage In-Game Purchases

Many games today are free to play at first, but they make money through extras. Skins, special powers, “battle passes,” and limited-time offers are some of the most commonly seen purchases. Kids can get caught up in the excitement and overspend without realizing it. Some scammers even set up fake sites or shady offers that look real but are designed to take your money.

Talk openly with your child about how in-game purchases work and why it’s important to be careful. Set spending limits, and make sure any payment method on their device has your oversight. If you do allow them to buy game items, stick to trusted marketplaces for in-game purchases, where you know the transaction is secure and the product is legitimate. This not only protects your wallet but also teaches your child smart digital spending habits they’ll carry with them as they grow.

Choose Age-Appropriate Games

Not every game is made for kids. Some include violence, gambling-style mechanics, or chat features that expose players to mature content. That’s where ratings come in. The ESRB system in the U.S. labels games from “E for Everyone” to “M for Mature,” giving you a quick way to judge if a title fits your child’s age and maturity level.

Before you download or buy a new game, check the rating and read reviews from other parents. Take the time to watch gameplay videos or even play alongside your child to see firsthand what the game is like. 

Games are often unfairly vilified. In reality, choosing age-appropriate games helps keep kids away from content they’re not ready for, and it also makes it easier to talk about what’s acceptable and what isn’t.

Balance Playtime With Real Life

Games are designed to keep kids hooked. Levels, rewards, and daily challenges can make it hard to put the controller down. However, you still want to set gaming limits. Indeed, hours of screen time can quickly affect their homework, sleep, or family time.

So, of course, you need clear rules about when and how long your child can play. But, there's more to it. Aside from setting up rules, you also want to be realistic. If a child enjoys playing video games during their spare time, it is also unfair to demand of them they give up on their hobby and impose other activities instead. This sends the wrong message, such as making family time sound like punishment. So, instead, you can simply get in the habit of playing online games together. This doesn't just reinforce your bond, but it also brings family time into their routine, rather than forcing them to follow your routine. 

When kids understand that gaming is just one part of a healthy routine, they’re more likely to enjoy it without letting it take over.

Hopefully, these few tips can help you create healthy gaming habits for your child.