4 risks of online gaming

Online games are designed to be fun and an escape from the real world.

But there are some risks.

Being aware of these will help you stay safe online and ensure you know when it’s time to switch off.

Not everyone will be nice

Unfortunately, not everyone playing the game will be nice. Some gamers may say nasty or horrible things to you when you’re playing, or may bully other players. Anyone can join the game, so you could be playing against someone you know or against a complete stranger (who might be a lot older than you).

Some gamers might not be who they say they are

Someone might start talking to you during the game and be really friendly. They may be trying to build your trust so they can trick you into doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re worried about online abuse or the way someone has been communicating online, you can report them to CEOP.

You might see things you don’t like

The online game you are playing might have content or scenes that could upset you. This could be violence, horror, sex or murder. If you are playing virtual reality (VR) games, these scenes could be even more lifelike than if you were watching them in film.

You might not be able to stop playing

As online games have no end, you might find it hard to stop playing and start to become addicted. This could affect how much sleep you get at night, your concentration, and your results at school. It could also mean you lose friends if you stop seeing them.

How to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively, you can always contact your school nurse.

• w: Childline
  
• w: Family Lives
  
• w: CEOP