Helping children and young people stay safer while gaming

Gaming can be a fun, social and creative part of childhood. But with online play, in-game spending, loot boxes and gambling-style features becoming more common, it is helpful for parents and carers to feel confident starting conversations about staying safe.

YGAM offers free online awareness sessions for parents, carers and guardians across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The sessions explore:

• What can influence a young person to gamble
• The benefits and possible concerns around gaming
• The blurred lines between gaming and gambling
• Loot boxes, microtransactions and in-game items
• Signs that gaming or gambling may be causing harm
• Practical ways to support a healthy balance

Alongside the sessions, YGAM’s Family Hub has information and resources to help families navigate gaming safely.

A few simple ways to support safer gaming include encouraging regular breaks and offline activities, checking PEGI age ratings, talking about kindness and privacy online, and making sure children know how to report anything that worries them. It is also worth having open conversations about spending within games, including loot boxes and microtransactions.

Find out more or register for a free session through the YGAM Family Hub.