You, your games and your friends

• They may ask you to chat with them on another social media app which is private.
• They might ask you to keep your friendship a secret from your family.
• They could be adults pretending to be teenagers and may do harm.

If any of these happen, be alert! Tell a trusted adult if it continues.

There 4 things to look out for:

1.

They might try to get your trust and ‘make friends’ with you by making you believe they like the same things as you.

What should I do?
Tell a trusted adult you have made a new friend and try to check that they are who they say they are – like looking for them on other social media.

2.

Choose a game that suits you, your age and what you like. Some games are not OK.

What should I do?
Play games that suitable for your age as there are some games with inappropriate content that might upset you.

3.

They might offer to tell you ‘cheats’ to help you out with a game and ask for something back in return.

What should I do?
You should talk to an adult you trust right away – always ask yourself are they a ‘real’ friend?

4.

They may ask you to tell them where you live or what school you go to.

What should I do?
Tell a trusted adult and do not give this information, as it tells people where you are and where you go to school which you do not want.

• Do not agree to meet up with anyone you have met in a game.
• Avoid sharing inappropriate photos with anyone you have met in a game.
• Do not send anyone money or give out personal banking information.

Some gaming is positive, too much is not. We know this from research with British young people.
One hour or less – players were happier, got on better with their friends, were more likely to help people in difficulty, and had fewer emotional issues.

Three hours or more – players were unhappier and did not have such good friendships.

• Try and balance the time you spend playing video games with other things that you enjoy and can learn from.
• Try not to snack on unhealthy foods while you are gaming.
• You need to be active, why not try going for a walk or doing a sport?

It is so easy to feel you need to buy Loot boxes or the next thing that is offered to you in a game.

Please avoid buying anything in a game without asking the person who has to pay for it, such as your parent or carer.

1.

Choose a username that does not tell anyone your personal information.Do not use your full name or school

2.

Check you understand how much the game costs.

3.

Try not to click on a link from someone you do not know.

WHY?
Because it could contain a computer virus or spyware which tells the person your personal information without you knowing.

If you are worried about the way any player has been talking to you, tell a trusted adult or Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk

Together you can let CEOP know and they will know what to do. They have trusted staff who can protect children and teenagers.https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/