Online games are no longer just games — they are social platforms where children meet strangers, build relationships, and spend real money. Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft have millions of child users. So do groomers who target them there. This guide gives parents practical tools to set boundaries without eliminating gaming entirely.
The Real Risks in Online Gaming
Online games connect children with random adults worldwide. Voice chat is particularly dangerous — children can be manipulated through voice more easily than text. Predators use games to build trust with children before moving contact off the platform.
Loot boxes, in-game currency, and "rare" items are designed to encourage spending. Children are especially susceptible. Without controls, a child can spend hundreds of dollars in a single session.
Children naturally share personal details during gameplay — their name, school, age, location, daily schedule. This information can be used for targeting.
Even E-rated games can expose children to mature player behavior, language, and content through user-generated elements, voice chat, and user communities.
Platform Parental Controls
Xbox
- Download the Xbox Family Settings app on your phone
- Add your child's Microsoft account to your family group
- Set screen time limits, game content filters (by ESRB rating), and require your approval for purchases
- Review and manage their friend list and block voice chat with non-friends
PlayStation
- Go to account.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com > Family Management
- Create a child account and set it under your family
- Set monthly spending limits to $0 or require parental approval
- Restrict communications to friends only, disable voice chat
Nintendo Switch
- Download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app
- Link it to your Switch console
- Set content restrictions by age group, screen time limits, and bedtime alarms
- Restrict online features and communications
Roblox
- Log into your child's Roblox account > Settings (gear icon) > Privacy
- Set account restrictions to Account Restrictions ON — limits chat to pre-approved phrases for younger children
- Enable Parental Controls in Settings and enter your parent PIN
- Restrict or disable chat entirely for younger children
- Review spending restrictions and link a parent email to the account
Minecraft
- Create a Microsoft Child Account for your child
- Use Xbox Family Settings to manage the account
- Play on a private server or local world rather than public servers
- In multiplayer settings, restrict who can join to friends only
Voice Chat: The Highest Risk Feature
Voice chat is the feature that most enables predatory contact. Recommendations:
- Disable voice chat with strangers — allow only friends or team members
- For children under 13: disable voice chat entirely
- For ages 13-15: voice chat only with known real-world friends
- Teach your child: never reveal your name, age, school, or location in voice chat
- Tell a parent immediately if any player asks for personal information, asks to meet, or sends anything that feels wrong
Warning Signs of Predatory Contact
- A stranger in a game is unusually focused on your child — always wants to play together
- Giving gifts: in-game items, currency, or account upgrades from unknown players
- Asking personal questions: age, school, home location, whether parents are home
- Asking to move the conversation to Discord, Snapchat, text, or another private platform
- Your child becomes secretive, turns off the screen when you approach, or becomes defensive about gaming
- Your child seems upset or anxious after gaming sessions
If you suspect grooming, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) and cybertipline.org. See also our sextortion response guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are online games safe for kids?
Online games can be safe with proper oversight. The risks are real: exposure to mature content, contact with strangers, voice chat with adults, financial exploitation through in-game purchases, and in rare cases, grooming by predators. But gaming also has genuine benefits — social skills, problem-solving, and creativity. The answer is not to ban gaming but to set up safety controls, play together, and maintain open communication.
How do I know if my child is talking to strangers in games?
Most gaming platforms allow parental review of friend lists and communications. Check Xbox Family Settings, PlayStation Family Management, Nintendo Switch Parental Controls, and Roblox parental controls. Warning signs: your child becomes secretive about gaming, communicates outside the game platform (moving to Discord, text, or phone), receives gifts or in-game currency from unknown players, or becomes upset when asked to stop playing.
How do I stop my child from making in-game purchases?
PlayStation: add a child account under Family Management and disable purchases without approval. Xbox: Xbox Family Settings app allows purchase approval. Nintendo: Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app blocks purchases. Apple: Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases. Google: Family Link > Purchase Approval. Remove payment information from any device your child uses independently.
What games are safe for children?
Look for games with ESRB ratings E (Everyone) or E10+. Games with strong parental controls include Nintendo Switch titles (Mario, Pokemon, Animal Crossing), Minecraft with a managed account, and Roblox with parental controls enabled. Avoid games rated T (Teen) or M (Mature) for young children. Even E-rated games with online multiplayer have voice chat risks — disable voice chat in game settings.