Gaming Safely Online

19 October 2026 | Blog | By: CIG Communications

Online gaming can be a great way to have fun, connect with friends and meet people who share your interests.  

Unfortunately, there are ‘shady characters’ who pretend to be interested in the game or use a fake profile, all for the purpose of ‘tricking’ younger persons into trusting them. Once trust has been established, they may use this to persuade gamers to share sensitive information about themselves and possibly their family. 

  

1-2-3 of Staying Safe Whilst Gaming 

  • One – “Never Share Your Sensitive Information”: Unless it is one of your friends or family you are Gaming with, you can’t really be sure based on a Gamer’s Profile who you are really gaming and chatting with! Grown adults have been known to pretend to be teenagers and young gamers.  

  • Two – “Stick to the Game Only”: Talk about the game you are playing, like ‘jump over that rock’ or ‘good manoeuvre’. Never talk about your personal life, your friends, your concerns, the country you live in, what school you attend or send any pictures of yourself.  

  • Three – “If Someone Bullies You or Makes You Feel Uncomfortable, Stop Communicating with the Person and Always Tell Your Parents or an Adult”: You are not alone. Don’t keep it to yourself or think that you have to deal with this on your own. Tell your parents, caregiver, teacher or another trusted adult 

  

You can say no, leave a chat or game, or mute, report and block someone. You do not owe another player personal information, photos, money or favours because they helped you or gave you an item. 

If someone threatens you, do not pay or send more content. Ask for help. 

 

Play fairly and respectfully 

There is a person behind another player’s account. Do not bully, threaten, harass or share someone’s private information or images. 

Respect other people’s boundaries. If you feel angry or upset, take a break before responding. Make time away from gaming for sleep, meals, movement and other activities. 

 

If something goes wrong 

Stop engaging with anyone who pressures, threatens or scams you. Use the game or platform’s reporting and blocking tools. If you are a child or young person, tell a parent, caregiver, teacher or another trusted adult. You can ask for help even if you have already shared something, spent money or broken a rule. 

If you shared a password, change it through the genuine website or app, including on other accounts using the same password. If you cannot access your account, use the provider’s official recovery process. 

If you shared card or banking details, or suspect an unauthorised payment, contact the financial institution or payment provider immediately using trusted contact details. 

Report suspected fraud, blackmail or threats to RCIPS. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

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