Hi there,
A lot of young people use online games, and these can be lots of fun. These include games that allow the player to pick an Avatar (a computer character) and interact with other people in an online world that can often feel a lot like the real world. Whilst these games can be a great way to spend time with friends or to make new friends, there are also risks involved.
Some people online aren’t always who they say they are. They could also ask you to do things that you don’t feel comfortable doing, and even though this is happening online it is still classed as abuse in the same way as if it were to happen in the real world.
A lot of online games and virtual worlds will have an age rating, and some are meant to be played by adults only. Some will need you to be 18 or over to play, although it’s often possible for young people to access these games. However, it’s important to remember that these ratings are there for a reason. When looking for a game to play online it can be tempting to play something that is for older people, but always choose one that is suitable for your age range.
When gaming online it’s safest to do this with friends or family you know in real life. If you do this and a gamer you don’t know in real life asks you to join them on another game or website, it’s OK not to reply and to block them if you feel uncomfortable.
If gaming with people you don’t know online, it’s important to think about what you share with them to keep yourself safe online. Try not to use your real name when creating an Avatar, and never share personal information such as your address, school name, phone number, date of birth or any details about friends or family members. Whilst it’s generally OK to share information such as a pet’s name, a favourite food or TV show, it’s always important not to share too much as this might mean someone could figure out your identity or find you on other online spaces such as social media.
If someone is asking a lot of personal questions or putting pressure on you to do things that make you feel uncomfortable then it’s important not to reply to them and block them if you can. Remember, it’s always OK to leave a game anytime you feel upset or worried. It’s never OK for anyone to ask you to do anything sexual in a game, as this is a form of sexual abuse. If this happens it isn’t your fault.
It is a good idea to tell a trusted adult if you feel able to, such as a parent, carer, or teacher. If this feels too embarrassing or difficult, you can also speak to a Childline counsellor. There are lots of different ways to speak to the counsellors at Childline who are used to hearing about problems like this and are trained to support you with them.
I hope this helps,
Sam
