How to Make In-Game Chat Safer

Raise your hand if your kiddo is super into video games. I know I’m not the only one! Video games are no longer seen as drivers of aggression, and they may even be associated with better cognitive performance in children. We’re here to talk about a feature many gaming platforms have: a chat feature. 

A lot of preteen boys I know flock to Roblox specifically for the chat. In-game chat can be a source of positive socialization and a way to develop teamwork, but it also introduces some big concerns. Let’s take a look at those risks and explore how to make in-game chat safer for your child. 

Types of in-game chat 

There are a variety of in-game chat options. Specifically: 

• Text chat. Text chat is just like what it sounds; players type messages that appear on other users’ screens. Text chats are typically filtered to some degree. 
• Voice chat. Some games feature real-time voice chat using headsets. There’s typically no filter, and users may even be less inhibited than when they see their words in print. 
• Quick chat. Quick chats are pre-set comments like “Thanks!” or “Need help.” These are rated G and offer a relatively safe option for interaction. 

Where do kids use in-game chat?

At least one version of messaging is available on most major gaming platforms. In the majority of popular multiplayer games, like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite, chat is enabled by default. 

There are two levels of in-game chats: 

1. Platform-level chats (on PlayStation parties, for example) continue even when players aren’t in a specific gaming session. 
2. Game-level chats exist only when players are in a game, limiting communication to the lobby, match, or within a specific team. 

What are the risks of in-game chats? 

These are the primary risks of in-game chats that you need to be aware of: 

• Inappropriate language and mature content
• Interactions with strangers
• Exposure to predators 
• Peer harassment 
• Cyberbullying
• Toxic interactions 

How to help your child chat safely 

Let me be clear: you aren’t obligated to let your child use in-game chat at all. I don’t let my 10-year-old use any in-game chat, except for with friends and family inside a closed server on Minecraft. If you decide to let your child use in-game chat (also a valid decision), here are some tips for helping them stay safe.  

1. Set them up for success

If your kiddo hasn’t started their gaming adventure yet, start with games that have trusted chat filters like Splatoon 3 and Among Us. 

Before your child downloads a new game, research the game and the community surrounding it. (Pro tip: Common Sense Media is my go-to for vetting all types of media for my kids.) 

2. Go over chat etiquette 

Have a conversation about the behavior you expect from your child while on chat, and how they should expect others to treat them. 

3. Emphasize privacy 

Your child should never share any personal information over in-game chat. Period. Make sure they know this. 

4. Introduce them to the “mute” and “block” features 

Teach your child that if someone is harassing them, making them uncomfortable, or generally acting a fool, they shouldn’t be afraid to mute or block that user. 

5. Take advantage of parental controls 

Set up parental controls on all gaming platforms that your child uses. For most games, there are a range of choices. 

Every game is slightly different, but you can use this as a general guide: 

• Chat off: This option is good for the youngest players, or when there’s no option to limit chat to people your child knows. 
• Friends only: If you trust that your child is able to behave respectfully toward others online, this option allows them to chat with friends. Be sure to have a talk about only adding friends in games who they know in real life. 
• Open, limited chat: If your child is more mature and has proven they can be responsible, you might consider this option. (But you certainly don’t have to!) If you let your child open up their in-game chat, provide guardrails by turning off private messaging and gift-giving, or limiting these features to friends only.
• Unrestricted chat: Unrestricted chat might be suitable for some older teens, but use your judgment based on what you know about your child and how they embrace online safety. 

6. Monitor their use

Regardless of how restricted or open you set your child’s in-game chat, it’s important to monitor how they use it. Some platforms, like Nintendo Switch, allow for monitoring as part of their parental controls. For games like Roblox and Minecraft, which can be played on Apple devices, BrightCanary monitors everything your child types and sends you real-time alerts to any concerns.   

The bottom line

In-game chat provides kids benefits like teamwork and social connection. It also introduces risks like cyberbullying, predators, and inappropriate content. To help your child use in-game chat safely, teach them chat etiquette, use all available parental controls, and monitor their activity with a tool like BrightCanary.

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How Strangers Might Talk to Your Kid on Instagram Is Among Us Safe for Kids? What Texting Rules Should I Set for My Child? Is Snapchat Better Than Texting or Social Platforms? How Kids Use Snapchat