Online gaming resources

Here are tech tools and parental control guides that you can use to set digital boundaries on game consoles and gaming platforms that your child uses.

They can help you monitor how your child is using their device to support them in building good online habits. It’s always good to sit down together with your child to discuss how you’ll be using these so they feel part of the decision-making process.

• Gaming consoles and platforms’ parental controls guides
• Cybersmile advice on dealing with in-game abuse
• Social media privacy guides

Get support to choose the best video games and platforms most suitable for your child with these helpful resources.

• Family video games guide for children of all ages
• Ask about games – Find the right game guide
• Family gaming database – see reviews of games and search for suitable games
• National Videogame Museum – education learning exhibition

See the latest gaming guide created for parents to help give children the right support to make smarter and safer choices while gaming.

• Gaming Apps and Platforms full guide
• CEOP gaming guide
• Cybersmile Gaming help centre
• Roblox parent’s guide
• Supercell parent’s guide
• Nintendo parent’s guide
• PlayStation safety centre
• PlayStation – Press Start for PlayStation Safety
• Parent’s Guide to Xbox Live Online Gaming
• Young Minds gaming and mental health guide
• Lego parent guide to video gaming

See the latest gaming guide created for children help give children the right support to make smarter and safer choices while gaming.

• Childline’s Online gaming guide
• Essential online gaming safety tips for teens
• Own It – Top tips to make gaming fun and safe online
• You, your games and your friend’s downloadable guide

See our recommended list of books on gaming to learn more about the benefits of gaming and ways to help children develop good gaming habits.

• Taming Gaming – guide for your child to video heath by Andy Robertson
• Lost in Good Game by Pete Etchells
• The New Childhood by Jordan Shapiro
• Moral Combat by Ferguson and Markey
• How to talk about video games by Ian Bogost
• A history of video games by Ian Simons and James Newman

Here is a list of organisations that provide support to parents on issues relating to gaming such as age ratings or are seen as a collective voice to represent the gaming industry as a whole.

• PEGI – Pan-European Game Information provides age ratings on games
• VSC Rating Board is the administrator of PEGI
• UKIE is the trade body for the UK’s games and interactive entertainment industry
• ESRB provides video ratings in the US