Gaming & Consoles: Practical Advice for Parents

Clear, independent guidance to help UK families understand games, consoles, online play and the settings that make gaming safer and more enjoyable.

When parents understand what a game involves, conversations become easier. Talk about what your child enjoys, agree routines that work for the whole family and use the console’s settings to support the boundaries you have discussed.

Rather than monitoring every minute, constructive dialogue builds long-term digital resilience, helping children recognise when to pause and how to make thoughtful choices online.

Check the age rating, content descriptors and whether the game is suitable for your child. Look up how play works before you decide.

Review the account’s privacy, communication and family settings. Use a child account where appropriate and avoid sharing more information than necessary.

Know whether the game includes purchases, subscriptions or random items. Set a payment rule together and use purchase controls or approval where available.