Gaming

Choose Topic

Do you enjoy playing games? You might play games on an iPad or a phone or even on an Xbox or PlayStation. There’s lots of different types of games– from building new worlds and creating characters to solving puzzles and exploring new lands! Gaming can help our brains practice doing complicated and challenging tasks.

You might play games by yourself or with friends or family. Or you might play games with other people online, working together to fight battles. This can help us learn how to work as part of a team and solve problems together! You may also just chat with other online gamers whilst playing. It’s really important you know how to be safe when online gaming. Here’s some tips about how to stay safer when playing games online:

Know who your trusted adults are.

A trusted adult could be your mum or dad, carer, a family member, your teacher, or another adult that you look up to and trust. This is someone you can go and talk to if something you’ve seen or heard whilst online gaming has upset or worried you.

Keep your information private!

Choose a made-up username that isn’t like your real name or usernames you use in other places, like on social media. If someone pressures you to tell them details like where you live, where you go to school or your real name, tell a trusted adult.

Be careful with in-game chat.

Always keep the chat in games to about the game itself. It’s ok to talk tactics but don’t’ share your personal information or pictures and videos. If you make a friend in a game or play in multiplayer games, remember they might not be who they say they are. Even if you have been talking for a while, it’s easy to lie about who you are online.

Keep your passwords private!

It’s important to never give anyone else your password, PIN, or access to your accounts, even if they are your friend.

Tell a trusted adult if someone is upsetting you.

If someone is being mean, sending nasty messages or making fun of you, tell a trusted adult. Talking to someone can help you feel better, and they may be able to help it stop.

Be kind online.

Never say or do something you wouldn’t do offline. Even if it seems funny or everyone else is ‘trash talking’ another user, you shouldn’t join in. Being kind online helps everyone be safer online and have more fun!

Get Support

Police Service of Northern Ireland

If someone or something is making you feel scared, threatened or distressed, report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Trusted Adults

If you are worried or concerned about something, please make sure you speak to an adult you trust.

Childline

You can contact Childline about anything. Whatever your worry, it’s better out than in. They’re here to support you.

Learn More

We’re Working On It!