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What Parents Should Know

Monitor the games your child plays, know whether chat is enabled, and discuss who they’re connecting with. Encourage kids to use reporting tools when they encounter abuse or inappropriate conduct.

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Online Gaming Safety

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Leveling Up Safely: The Hidden Dangers of Online Gaming

Gaming brings fun and friendships—but also risks. Online games can expose youth to toxic behavior, strangers with bad intentions, and schemes that target personal data or money.

Statistics and Risks

Over 70% of teens regularly play online games*, many with chat features that allow strangers to interact with them in real-time. This opens doors to bullying, harassment, and inappropriate conversations.

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Not everyone is who they say they are

Be cautious about voice or chat features—strangers may have bad intentions.

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You can mute, block, and report

You don’t have to tolerate bullying or abuse.

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Don’t share personal details

Even your gaming username or favorite team could give away more than you think.

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Don’t click random links or accept items from unknown players.

Watch out for scams

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Keep gaming fun

If a game starts to feel stressful or dangerous, take a break and talk to someone.

Level Up Your Safety Skills

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Gaming Safely (PDF)

  • Focused advice on keeping children safe while playing online multiplayer and mobile games.

  • Discusses privacy settings, chat safety, and scams.

  • Target: Parents and young gamers

See Resource
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Online Gaming Safety

  • Offers youth practical safety tips on issues such as trolling, bullying, addictive gaming,  and grooming.

  • Encourages self-awareness by helping users recognize when gaming becomes unhealthy.

  • Target: Parents and youth

See Resource
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Online Game Reviews

  • A review hub providing in‑depth insights on video games crafted to help caregivers understand both the risks and benefits of digital media. These reviews come from expert reviewers and user communities.

  • Target: Parents, caregivers, educators, and youth

See Resource
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Carter's Story: Blue Campaign Youth Animated Video Series

  • A two-part animated video series developed by the Blue Campaign (DHS's anti-human trafficking initiative) that raises awareness about the safety of young people during online gaming and teaches adults how to detect signs of human trafficking.

  • Target: All audiences

See Resource
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Digital Safety: An Ongoing Conversation Discussion Guide

  • Encourages parents to keep digital safety discussions alive as their kids grow, shifting from protective rules to supportive guidance.

  • Target: Parents and guardians of teens (ages 10-17)

See Resource

*Source: 

Ruderman Foundation. (2024, November 5). Almost Three-Quarters of Teens Play Online Games with Strangers, White Paper Reveals. Ruderman Family Foundation. https://rudermanfoundation.org/press_releases/almost-three-quarters-of-teens-play-online-games-with-strangers-white-paper-reveals/

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