Popular Games Safety Settings

Popular game safety settings help parents review the games children and teenagers enjoy on phones, computers and consoles. Games can involve building, exploring, solving puzzles, sport or competition. Some support solo play, while others connect players through shared worlds, teams and conversations.

For children, games can offer imagination, discovery and a sense of achievement. Similarly, teenagers may enjoy improving their skills, creating together or spending time with friends. However, online play can also introduce contact with strangers, upsetting behaviour and pressure to spend money.

For parents, learning game safety settings with your child helps you understand the experience behind the screen. Review privacy, communication, content, purchases and play time together. In addition, check the console or platform account, because settings inside a game may not cover every connected service.

Choose a game safety settings guide

Select a game image or name to open its CODA guide. Before you start, check the edition, device and account your child uses, because available controls can differ. Browse the sections below to find a game. These groupings describe the type of play, rather than its suitability for a child. Each guide explains the relevant age ratings and account requirements. For device and service controls, also check Gaming Platforms and Console Safety Settings.

Creative and Building Games

Action and Competitive Games

Sports and Simulation Games

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

A game’s content rating, an app store rating and an account’s minimum age are different checks. Read PEGI’s labels and descriptors and check the current entry for the exact title and edition. Online contact and content shared by players also need attention.

For parents, a familiar character or a friend’s recommendation does not establish that a game suits your child. Review its content and account rules before approving it. In addition, ask who can contact the child and how they can get help if a conversation becomes uncomfortable.

Learn game safety settings together

To review game safety settings, start by watching or playing together and checking the game’s age rating and account requirements. For example, an age rating describes content suitability, while an account rule sets conditions for using a service. Neither tells you whether everyone in an online lobby is trustworthy. Discuss what your child enjoys and which situations could make them uncomfortable.

Next, review who can see their profile, send requests or contact them through text and voice chat. Where available, restrict contact and review multiplayer permissions. In addition, check spending approvals and time limits on both the game account and the device. Agree breaks and protect time for sleep, schoolwork and other activities.

For privacy, check personal information, location, microphone permissions and advertising choices separately from parental controls. The Information Commissioner’s Office explains why each new game, app and device needs its own review. As a result, a protected console does not remove the need to inspect the game account.

Game safety settings and their limits

However, game safety settings vary by game, device, age and account type. A control may limit chat without preventing contact through another app. Similarly, a spending reminder may warn a player without blocking a purchase. Check what each option actually enforces and revisit choices after updates, new accounts or a change of device.

Alongside game safety settings, remember that private messages can be copied or shared, and a familiar username does not prove someone’s identity. Teach your child to protect personal details and use blocking and reporting tools when needed. If a conversation becomes threatening, sexual or uncomfortable, encourage them to stop and tell a trusted adult. Reassure them that asking for help will not get them into trouble.

Finally, keep calm conversations alongside technical protections. The Internet Matters online gaming advice hub supports learning about games, checking controls and talking openly. Review your family agreement together as your child grows, rather than treating the first setup as a permanent solution.

More help with game safety settings

For wider advice, explore Resources for Parents and our Video Guides. If something has happened, our Useful Links and Supports page provides further routes to help. In an emergency, contact the appropriate emergency services.

Game safety settings questions

Do game safety settings replace console controls?

No. A game, its platform account and the device may each provide different controls. Therefore, check all relevant layers and any separate messaging service your child uses.

Should I check the same game on every device?

Yes. Editions, account connections and available controls can differ. For example, a restriction on one device may not cover another account or a different version of the game.

References

PEGI: What do the labels mean? explains game content ratings and relevant interactive risk descriptors.

Information Commissioner’s Office: Parental controls explains the relationship between parental controls and separate privacy choices. Its guidance also highlights checks across games, apps and devices.

Internet Matters: Online games advice hub offers practical advice on content, contact, spending and family conversations. It provides further resources for understanding children’s gaming experiences.

About Children of the Digital Age

Children of the Digital Age provides online safety education and training for schools, parents and organisations. Our work helps families understand online behaviour, current risks and practical protective choices. For parents, that includes learning how game safety settings work alongside communication and support.

Send a message

Contact Children of the Digital Age to enquire about online safety education, parent sessions or training. You can also suggest a game you would like us to cover.

Last updated: 19 October 2026