All ages

Stay smart online 🎮

Gaming, chatting, watching videos — it's all brilliant. Here's how to enjoy it all and know what to do when something feels off.

What do you want to know about?

Pick a topic

Gaming safely

Who are you actually talking to in games? How to spot when something feels off — and what to do.

Roblox · Fortnite · Minecraft

Parents: see our full top 10 games guide →

Screenshots are forever

Once something is sent or posted, you can't take it back. What that really means — and the test to use before you send.

Photos · messages · posts

Chatting online

DMs, group chats, and what to do if someone asks you to move to a different app to keep talking.

Discord · WhatsApp · Snapchat

What is AI?

AI chatbots and characters can seem really real. Here's what's actually going on behind the screen.

Chatbots · AI characters

When someone is mean online

Cyberbullying, mean comments, and being left out of group chats — what it is and what to do about it.

Bullying · blocking · reporting

Keeping your info private

What counts as personal information, and why it matters who knows your school name or where you live.

Name · school · location
Test yourself

What would you do?

Someone you met in Roblox asks to move to WhatsApp to keep talking

You've been playing together for a few weeks and they seem really friendly and fun. What do you do?

Good to know

Things worth remembering

You don't know who's really there

In games, someone might say they're 11 when they're actually an adult. You can't tell from a username or avatar. That's not your fault — it's just how the internet works. Always tell a trusted adult if something feels weird.

The screenshot test

Before you send any message or photo, ask yourself: "Would I be OK if my teacher or parent saw this?" If the answer is no — don't send it. Screenshots travel fast, even in "private" chats.

Reporting isn't snitching

Every game and app has a report button. Using it helps make that space safer for everyone — including you and your friends. You won't get in trouble for reporting someone who made you feel uncomfortable.

Nothing online is ever your fault

If someone was horrible to you, or you accidentally saw something upsetting, that is never your fault. The only thing that matters is telling someone you trust so it can stop.

If something goes wrong

Do these 4 things

Step 1

Stop

Don't reply or send anything else. Put the device down for a moment.

Step 2

Screenshot it

Take a screenshot so there's a record of what happened.

Step 3

Block and report

Use the report button in the app, then block the person.

Step 4

Tell a trusted adult

Show them the screenshot. You will not be in trouble.

Need to talk to someone right now?

Childline is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call 0800 1111 or chat at childline.org.uk — you don't have to give your name.