Internet Safety for Young Gamers: What Parents Should Know

If your child loves online games, you’re definitely not alone. From Minecraft to Roblox to multiplayer racing games, kids today are more connected than ever. While gaming can be fun and even educational, there are also some real safety concerns for young players.

The good news? With a little guidance and the right supervision, your child can enjoy their favorite games safely. At Nanny McVee, we believe in keeping screen time both fun and secure—especially for our youngest gamers.

Here’s what every parent should know:

Talk About Online Strangers

Just like we teach kids not to talk to strangers in real life, the same goes for the internet. Many games have chat features or friend requests, and kids may not realize that the person on the other end isn’t always who they say they are.

👉 Tip: Remind your child never to share their name, school, or where they live. Keep personal info private!

Use Strong Privacy Settings

Most games have settings to control who can message your child, join their game, or see their profile. It only takes a few minutes to go in and make those settings safer.

👉 Tip: Set profiles to private and turn off chat (or limit it to friends only) whenever possible.

Keep an Eye on Game Content

Not all games labeled “kid-friendly” are truly appropriate. Some might include violence, in-game purchases, or open chat with strangers.

👉 Tip: Check ratings and reviews before your child downloads anything. Play the game with them first to see what it’s really like.

Set Time Limits

Gaming can be super engaging—and that makes it easy for kids to lose track of time. Too much screen time can affect sleep, mood, and focus.

👉 Tip: Use timers or screen time tools to help kids take breaks and balance gaming with other activities.

Teach What to Do If Something Feels Off

Whether it’s a rude message or something that makes them uncomfortable, kids should know they can always come to you (or a trusted adult) without getting in trouble.

👉 Tip: Create a safe space for open conversations. Let them know it's okay to say, “Hey, something weird happened in my game.”

Play Together (Even Just a Little)

You don’t have to be a gaming expert to join in! Playing together lets you see what your child enjoys—and keeps you in the loop.

👉 Tip: Ask them to show you their favorite game or level. It builds trust and helps you understand the online world they’re exploring.

Gaming can be a great way for kids to relax, learn, and connect—but only when it's done safely. At Nanny McVee, our virtual nannies are trained to guide safe online play, helping kids enjoy games in a positive and protected way.

By staying involved and keeping the lines of communication open, you can make sure your child’s gaming time is full of fun—not worry.