Before you begin 

Mobile games, as distinct from traditional gaming, have become hugely popular as they offer players a chance to play games on their phones or tablets through apps or on social networks, often for free!  Whilst providing a range of opportunities for engaging with friends and family, it is important that the same rules for staying safe online are applied to mobile games because the online risks of Content, Contact, Conduct and Commercialism also apply to games.

Before downloading a mobile game there are a number of things to think about. Firstly, it can be helpful to check age ratings and reviews.

Remember not all games are suitable for all ages so encourage children to only access social games that are appropriate for their age.  App developers provide these age ratings on the app download page but they are not generally independently rated, therefore it is also important to look at app reviews online, as this can help determine what content is appropriate for which ages and whether the app is reliable. It is important that even if an app is a lower age rating young children using the app still know the rules for staying safe online – see Childnet’s advice on on-line gaming and age ratings.

On most devices, there are parental control tools which can help with a number of things for example limiting chat features or managing in-app spending. There are also parental controls to help you restrict access to apps based on age ratings for example you could choose a setting that only allows apps to be downloaded if they have an age rating 12 or under. Childnet’s Parental controls page has in-depth information and key advice on parental controls for parents and carers. 

If, when downloading an app, it asks to access your data, for example your location or importing contacts, think carefully about why it needs to do that and what information you are sharing. 

When you’re playing the game 

Mobile games provide a fun and social form of entertainment, often encouraging teamwork and cooperation when playing with others.

Typically, mobile gamers will be playing directly against their friends or participating in leader boards within the app or via a social network.  The ability to interact with people all over the world means it’s important that gamers know how to protect their privacy and behave kindly to other gamers. 

Fortunately, most games and devices will have safety tools which can help protect players.  If you are playing on a social network, learn how to block other players and locate the means for reporting any issues if you encounter them.  When using online chats or sharing information, be careful never to give out any personal information, share pictures or agree to meet up with someone in person. 

Think carefully about who you are talking to and what you are sharing generally, as it’s best to only talk to people you know offline and to keep your personal information, such as your email address and passwords, safe when playing online. 

As mobile games can be played on the go, gamers may find they are playing them regularly and for extended periods of time.  To ensure games form part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle it is important to take lots of breaks.  Parents may wish to agree a set of family rules that set out how long a child is allowed to play for and how they should behave towards other gamers, remembering to always be kind and respectful. 

Mobile games often follow the ‘freemium’ pricing model, meaning that access and play is free.  Whilst playing the game users may come across opportunities to purchase virtual goods and items.  Although it might seem tempting to click on these, these in-game purchases cost real money so it’s important to be aware of what you are clicking on.

For parents, talk to your child about agreed spending limits or use parental control settings to manage spending as necessary.  Reassure your child that they can always turn to you if something does go wrong. This also applies to ‘advergames’, which have been designed to promote and sell a product. 

What happens if something goes wrong? 

While many people experience mobile games as a positive and integral part of their life be aware that things can go wrong and knowing what to do when something does happen is essential to having a safe and positive experience.

Unfortunately, because of the social nature of mobile games, cyberbullying can occur. If harassment does happen report this behaviour and block the user where possible.  Always be aware of who you are talking to and do not reveal any personal information. For parents, advise your child to talk to you if someone or something upsets them.