FIFA 21 is one of the most popular games for those interested in playing football virtually. In this article, we give you some online safety tips to make your families experience safer in the game.
FIFA 21 age rating is PEGI 3 in the UK which means there is no content inappropriate for young players. In the US it is rated E for Everyone. Electronic Arts (or EA) terms and conditions state that players must be 13 or over to play online features in the game. FIFA 21 is free to play (with subscription) through EA Play on all major consoles, as well as Google Stadia, and on PC via Origin and Steam.
If you or your child are passionate about football, this realistic football simulation game offers more than enough in terms of content and features thousands of players, and the biggest Leagues, Clubs and competitions around the world to create exciting and engaging sports experience.
From FIFA Ultimate Team mode where you can build your dream squad to playing with a group of friends in the street-focused mode VOLTA FOOTBALL, and casual family sessions to esports competitions there are many ways to play the game.
The FIFA football series has been used by coaches in the past to help children learn about how to play the game and grow their ‘tactical understanding‘. For those who play in the real world, it can be a way to improve their understanding of the game and all it entails.
There are certain elements (like in all games) that you need to pay extra attention to.
Chat functionality
While children love to interact while playing through the chat functions it’s important to make sure children are aware of how to mute the function if they hear something that is inappropriate and report it.
If they are playing with people they don’t know it’s important to discuss what is and isn’t appropriate to share (see more advice – Are they online gaming with strangers?).
In-game spending
FIFA 21 allows you to buy things to enhance gameplay. To avoid unintended purchases, make sure you agree together with your child, what they are allowed to spend beforehand. You can also use controls on the consoles they use to set spending limits or add in passwords to control spending on the platform.
FIFA Playtime
Once you have opted into FIFA Playtime feature you can keep an eye on how much time is spent in the game, matches played, purchases of FUT Packs, and the number of FIFA points purchased overall.
The feature allows you to keep a closer eye and stay in control of interactions on the game (visit FIFA 21 site for more information).
Block and mute function on chat
If you or your child come across abuse, harassment, or cheating in the game there are a range of ways you can report things.
You can either use the reporting functions in the game (see EA site for steps on how to do this) or you can contact the game developer through this form to report off-platform.
Encourage children to take regular breaks
You can do this by setting an alarm or using the controls on the console or platform that they are using to help them better manage how much time they spend gaming. See our gaming how-to guides to get started.
Ask them to play in a communal area
This will help you engage with their gameplay and step in if you hear something on the audio chat that is inappropriate.
If emotions run high in a game, ask them to hit pause
When children play on their own, or for too long, this can affect their mood and mental state. Frustration, not wanting to stop or even anger can be symptoms we notice in our children when they have been playing (read our ‘What to do if gaming gets out of hand‘ article for more advice).
See articles and resources to help children stay safe online.
