Online gaming provides children with lots of opportunities for skill development, beneficial play, creativity, self-expression, belonging, and social connection. To make sure they get the most out of gaming, parents and carers also need to help them build skills to navigate risks and put in safeguards. Are you familiar with the benefits or the risks your child might be experiencing whilst playing online games? Regardless of the console or device they use, what type of game they play, if they play alone or with others, or how often they play, it is important to understand your child’s unique gaming experience.

Playing online games with your children is a great way to learn more about their interests, while also developing a greater understanding of how they interact and communicate with others online.

When adults get involved in positive ways it can also strengthen family relationships and enable families to manage conflict about gaming in more productive ways.
For more information on gaming and simple tips for how you can make this a safer and more positive experience, go to the parent's page of eSafety Commissioner's website. The eSafety Commissioner also has an eSafety Guide which includes the latest games, apps and social media, with information on how to apply safety and privacy settings, whether there are any risky digital features, and how to report abuse or other harmful behaviour.