When you play games online (on your console, PC, phone, or any other device), there is always some risk.

Any time you spend money or share personal data online, it creates an opportunity for cyber attackers.

Anyone can be exploited online but young people can be more vulnerable. This can be because of their:

• age
• lack of experience
• adverse childhood experiences and trauma
• financial problems at home
• mental health
• family situation
• life experience (like moving school or a death in the family)

Without the right safety measures, online games can expose young people to content and people that put them at risk.

If you want to tell us about something suspicious you’ve seen while gaming online, you can report it online, by phone, or in person.

Report it using our online form

Learn about other ways you can report a crime to us

There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your data when playing games online.

Read advice on:

• protecting your information when gaming online from the National Cyber Security Centre
• protecting your wellbeing and dealing with abuse from The Cybersmile Foundation
• more safety steps you can take from Games Hotline

If you’re a young person

If you’re under 18, you can read Childline’s advice for young people on safe gaming.

If you care for a young person

If you’re a parent, teacher, or a support person for a young person, there are ways you can help them stay safe online.

You can read advice on:

• how to keep children safe while gaming online from the NSPCC
• console and game safety settings and how to choose a console from Internet Matters
• in-game chat safety and how to choose the right games from CEOP Education