How to Stay Safe Online in 2026

Installing parental control software, limiting game time, and having open conversations about online dangers are all important steps. Visually stunning graphics, intense action sequences, and fast-paced gameplay provide a high level of sensory stimulation that captivates children and teens. As entertaining as interactive gaming can be, parents should be aware that their children can speak using their own voice with strangers online.
Further, online gaming incorporates the free use of video and audio chat, as well as voice-masking technology which increases new channels of access by a sexual predator to a child. Similar to those, it is important to recognize age appropriate content and consider how suitable it is for children. Attackers use publicly available information to make phishing attempts more convincing and to answer account-recovery security questions. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) means proving your identity with something beyond just a password — usually a one-time code from an app, a text message, or a physical security key.
MFA includes biometrics (think face ID scans or fingerprint access), security keys, or apps that send you unique, one-time codes when you want to log on to an account. Whether your child is gaming at home or elsewhere, it’s important to talk with them about the risks of online gaming and encourage smart, age-appropriate choices. Additionally, VR can create social risks, as children may interact with strangers in online multiplayer environments, which can expose them to cyberbullying, inappropriate language, or even predatory behavior. Furthermore, VR can blur the line between the virtual and real world, making it harder for children to distinguish what is real, which can lead to confusion, distress, or inappropriate behavior. Virtual Reality (VR) introduces unique risks to children who engage in online gaming. AI can be exploited by malicious users to create realistic deepfakes or fake profiles that deceive and potentially groom vulnerable players.

Manage screen time

This exposure can have harmful effects on children’s mental and emotional development, influencing their understanding of body image, relationships, and consent at a stage when they are still forming their identities. Many of these games, while seemingly age-appropriate on the surface, contain avatars, dialogue, or user-generated content that promote unrealistic and often adult-themed depictions of sexuality. The anonymity and lack of supervision in many online games makes them prime hunting grounds for predators looking to target vulnerable children. Online games allow for a high degree of interactivity, where players can directly impact the game world and outcomes through their actions. 84% of teens say they have or have access to a game console at home.90% say they play video games of any kind (whether on a computer, game console or cellphone).

Can bring educational benefit and awareness

• Depending on the type of game, it can also offer players a platform where they can be imaginative and explore their own creativity.
• However, several concerns have emerged of which parents should be aware of as games become more realistic and playing partners can include anonymous strangers engaging in unmoderated chats.
• Set controls on the console, platform or app your child plays video games on.
• Reviewing your privacy settings is a quick, high-value task — set profiles to private where possible, and avoid posting real-time location information publicly.
• AI-powered algorithms are often used in games to enhance user engagement, which can lead to addictive behaviors, especially in children whose self-regulation skills are still developing.

Password reuse remains one of the biggest reasons accounts get taken over. Second, so much of daily life now runs through a handful of accounts (email, cloud storage, banking apps, social logins) that a single compromised password can cascade into multiple accounts if it’s reused. Additionally, conversations about harm like hate, cyberbullying and scams can help your child avoid coming to harm. Importantly, make sure you include the types of games they can play and with whom they can play when setting boundaries. Consider their other responsibilities such as chores and schoolwork when deciding on play time.
Parents should encourage routines that include schoolwork, physical activity, family time, and offline hobbies, ensuring that gaming is just one of many activities. This digital dependency bears striking similarities to substance abuse, providing both temporary relief and the risk of dangerous dependence. These include ADHD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and even autistic-like symptoms known as “virtual autism”.

The immersive nature of VR also heightens concerns about exposure to violent, sexual, or disturbing content, as it can feel more personal and immediate than traditional gaming. It can also be used to create chatbots or fake profiles that mimic real people. If online gaming disorder is suspected, seek the support of a licensed mental health practitioner with experience in treating this disorder. Parents should also watch for emotional or behavioral changes, as gaming addiction can sometimes be linked to anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal.

Flip on MFA

• As it is in the real world, gaming communities can range from supportive and educational, to toxic and harmful.
• Another way to take an active interest is to play the game as well.
• Gaming refers to playing electronic games, whether through consoles, computers, tablets, smartphones or other devices.
• According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), prompt patching is one of the most effective ways individuals and organizations can reduce their exposure to known vulnerabilities.
• We recommend keeping your gaming hardware and software as updated as possible.
• Visually stunning graphics, intense action sequences, and fast-paced gameplay provide a high level of sensory stimulation that captivates children and teens.

AI-driven recommendation systems (like in chat or game suggestions) can inadvertently expose children to inappropriate content or conversations that are not age-appropriate. Artificial intelligence (AI) can pose several risks to children who engage in online gaming. There is growing concern about the presence of sex and hypersexualized content in online games played by children.
Additionally, AI-driven chatbots or in-game characters may interact with players in ways that blur the lines between real and artificial relationships, potentially exposing children to inappropriate content or manipulation. To mitigate these risks, parents should set clear usage boundaries, monitor content carefully, and ensure that their child takes regular breaks to avoid physical and psychological strain. It’s critical that parents closely monitor their children’s online activities, set strict rules, and educate them on online safety to help mitigate these risks. Whether it’s agreeing on play times or the types of games they can play, set boundaries to encourage healthy gaming. If it’s single player, you can play on your own account or take turns playing together.
Help children use gaming as a way to build on their skills and have fun in a safer way. As soon as you get a new gaming console or try out a new game, open its privacy and security settings. Are you suiting up and playing with people you don’t know? Whether you’re an eSports pro, killing a playbunny few spare minutes on your phone, or enjoying an endless fantasy realm for hours, who doesn’t love online gaming? Most operating systems – such as Windows (Microsoft accounts), macOS (Apple ID), Chrome OS (Chromebook accounts), and Android (Google accounts) – offer built-in parental controls, as do app stores and some routers. Implementing both Safety “Rules” and Software “Tools” on all digital devices, online platforms and services used by your child will help to ensure a safer online experience for them, and peace of mind for you.