Introduction

Online games are a common part of children and teenagers' leisure time. They can provide fun, learning and social interaction, but also carry risks related to privacy, contact with strangers and unintended spending. This guide offers a practical risk-oriented checklist — not a moral judgment of games — to help families and caregivers decide if a title is appropriate and how to configure it more safely.

Why assess a game before a minor uses it

  • Protect the child's privacy and limit unnecessary data collection.
  • Reduce exposure to inappropriate content or abusive behaviour online.
  • Prevent unexpected expenses and aggressive monetization practices.
  • Verify that the community and communication tools are moderated and safe.

Quick checklist: checks before use

  1. Basic information
  • Recommended age: check official ratings and assess whether the child's maturity fits the game.
  • Game type: is it competitive, cooperative, sandbox, or narrative-driven? Different types imply different risks.
  • Platforms: is the game on console, PC, mobile or web? Security settings and risks vary by platform.
  1. Privacy and personal data
  • Account: does the game require an account? If so, what data is requested (email, name, birthdate)? Prefer accounts requiring minimal data.
  • Login: can the child use a nickname not tied to their real identity? Avoid using real full names as usernames.
  • Permissions: on mobile or browser, what permissions does the app request (microphone, camera, contacts)? Grant only what is strictly necessary.
  • Profiling and third parties: check whether the game shares data with ad or analytics services. Prefer games that explicitly limit sharing of minors' data.
  1. Communication and community
  • Text and voice chat: are these present? Can they be disabled or restricted to approved friends?
  • Friend system: how do friend requests work? Is parental approval possible for new contacts?
  • Moderation: is there automated or human moderation for reports and abuse? Check the policies and availability of reporting tools.
  • Reporting tools: are they easy to use and accessible in-game or in the app?
  1. Content and player safety
  • User-generated content: does the game allow streaming, sharing chat, or player-created content? These increase risk of exposure to unsuitable material.
  • Open profiles: do public profiles reveal sensitive information or location? Limiting profile visibility is recommended.
  • Toxic behaviour: look for reviews or comments reporting bullying, scams or abuse.
  1. Monetization and payments
  • Microtransactions: does the game offer in-app purchases or loot boxes? Assess cost transparency and the ability to disable purchases.
  • Payment methods: can the game be played without linking a personal credit card? Prefer prepaid cards, gift cards or accounts with spending limits.
  • Refund policy: check how refunds or purchase disputes are handled.
  1. Parental controls and settings
  • System controls: use the console, OS, or store parental controls to limit content, spending and communications.
  • Supervised account: many services offer parent/guardian modes to manage friends, playtime and purchases.
  • Time limits: set reasonable daily session limits and mandatory breaks.
  1. Technical security
  • Updates: ensure the game and device receive security updates.
  • Passwords and access: teach use of unique passwords and, where possible, two-factor authentication for accounts.
  • Backup and recovery: check procedures for recovering a compromised account.

How to test a game with the child

  • Shared trial: play a few sessions together before allowing solo use. This reveals game dynamics and community behaviour.
  • Observation period: permit supervised use for a trial period, observing interactions and reactions to frustration or money requests.
  • Rules and involvement: set clear rules (how long, when, with whom) and explain their purpose.

What to do if something worrying happens

  • Preserve evidence: screenshots or recordings of conversations can help when reporting abuse.
  • Use reporting tools: report directly to the game or platform and contact platform support if needed.
  • Talk with the child: listen without blame, consider a break from the game or blocking a contact.

Educational and preventive advice

  • Digital literacy: teach main risks and good habits (don’t share personal data, don’t accept requests from strangers, don’t click suspicious links).
  • Trust and dialogue: an open relationship makes it easier for children to report problems.
  • Keep reviewing: game features change over time; revisit the checklist periodically.

Conclusion

Allowing a child to play an online game is about managing risk: privacy, communication, monetization and community. Using this checklist as a starting point helps make informed decisions and configure a safer gaming experience for minors.