Online gaming is one of the most popular pastimes in Australia, enjoyed by over 17 million of us across every age group. The vast majority of the time, gaming is a perfectly safe, thoroughly enjoyable activity. But like anything involving the internet, there are risks worth being aware of — and simple precautions that can make a huge difference.
This guide is designed for everyone: gamers of all ages, parents who want to keep their kids safe, and anyone who wants to make sure their online gaming experience is secure and positive. We'll cover personal information protection, child safety, parental controls, in-game purchase awareness, online communication safety, scam prevention, healthy gaming habits, and the Australian resources available to help if you need them.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Your personal information is valuable, and keeping it private is the single most important thing you can do to stay safe while gaming online. Here's how to protect yourself:
Never share your real name, address, or phone number. It might seem obvious, but in the heat of a friendly chat or competitive game, it's easy to let personal details slip. Use a username that doesn't reveal your real identity, location, or age. Avoid usernames like "SydneyDave1985" that give away where you live and when you were born.
Use unique, strong passwords for every gaming account. A strong password is at least 12 characters long and includes a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Never reuse passwords across different services — if one account is compromised, you don't want attackers to be able to access everything else. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your credentials securely.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (usually a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password. Most major gaming platforms offer 2FA, and enabling it dramatically reduces the risk of your account being hacked.
Be cautious about what you share on gaming profiles. Many gaming platforms allow you to create profiles with biographical information. Keep these profiles minimal. You don't need to share your real photo, location, school, workplace, or social media accounts. The less information you make public, the safer you are.
Never share financial information in-game. No legitimate game or player will ever need your credit card details, bank account information, or PayPal credentials during gameplay. If someone asks for this information, it's a scam. Full stop.
Safe Gaming for Children
With 82% of Australians gaming and many of those being children and teenagers, keeping young players safe is a priority for families across the country. The good news is that with the right approach, online gaming can be a wonderfully enriching activity for kids.
Choose age-appropriate games. Australia's classification system rates games from G (General) to R18+ (Restricted). Check the rating before letting your child play, and consider the content descriptors that accompany each rating — they tell you specifically what kind of content the game contains (violence, language, themes, etc.). For younger children, stick to games rated G or PG.
Play together. One of the best ways to understand what your child is experiencing in games is to play alongside them. This doesn't mean hovering over their shoulder every second — it means taking a genuine interest in their gaming, playing together when you can, and having open conversations about what they're playing and who they're playing with.
Set clear rules and boundaries. Establish guidelines around gaming time, which games are appropriate, and how to behave online. Make sure your child understands that they should never share personal information with strangers online and that they should tell you if anything makes them uncomfortable.
Monitor chat features. Many online games include text or voice chat features that allow players to communicate with each other. For younger children, consider disabling chat features entirely. For older children, discuss the importance of not sharing personal information and being cautious about conversations with strangers.
Be aware of friend requests and social features. Teach your child to only accept friend requests from people they know in real life. Strangers who are overly friendly or eager to move conversations to private channels should be treated with caution.
Create a safe reporting culture. Make sure your child knows they can come to you if something goes wrong online without fear of punishment. Children who are afraid of getting in trouble are less likely to report concerning interactions, which can allow problems to escalate.
Parental Controls Guide
Most devices and platforms offer built-in parental control features that let you manage what your child can access and for how long. Here's a brief overview of how to set them up on the most common platforms:
Windows (Microsoft Family Safety): Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users. Add your child's Microsoft account and configure screen time limits, app restrictions, content filters, and activity reports through the Family Safety app or website.
macOS (Screen Time): Go to System Settings > Screen Time. Set up a child account and configure app limits, downtime schedules, communication limits, and content restrictions. You can manage these settings remotely from your own Apple device.
iOS (iPhone/iPad): Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Here you can restrict web content, app downloads, in-app purchases, and set time limits for different app categories. You can also disable the ability to install new apps entirely.
Android: Use Google Family Link to set up parental controls on your child's Android device. You can manage app access, set screen time limits, filter Google Chrome content, and track your child's device location.
Web browsers: Most browsers allow you to set content restrictions. In Google Chrome, you can use supervised profiles through Google Family Link. In Safari, use Screen Time restrictions on macOS or iOS. For additional filtering, consider installing a family-friendly DNS service like CleanBrowsing or OpenDNS Family Shield.
Understanding In-Game Purchases
In-game purchases — also known as microtransactions — are one of the most significant concerns in modern gaming, particularly for parents. Here's what you need to know:
What are microtransactions? Many free-to-play games generate revenue by offering optional purchases within the game. These can include cosmetic items (character skins, outfits), gameplay advantages (better weapons, extra lives), virtual currency, and season passes. While individual purchases are often small (typically $1-$10), they can add up quickly.
What are loot boxes? Loot boxes are a particularly controversial form of in-game purchase. You pay real money for a virtual box that contains random items — you don't know what you'll get until you open it. Critics argue that this mechanic resembles gambling, as it exploits the psychological appeal of chance and uncertainty. In Australia, there has been significant debate about whether loot boxes should be regulated as a form of gambling.
How to avoid unwanted spending: On mobile devices, disable in-app purchases in your device settings. On shared computers, don't save credit card details in the browser. For children's accounts, use parental controls to prevent any purchases without your explicit approval. Have an honest conversation with your children about how microtransactions work and why it's important to check before buying anything.
WildPlay's approach: We believe gaming should be about fun, not spending. WildPlay Australia does not include any in-game purchases, microtransactions, loot boxes, or premium content. Every game on our platform is completely free, with no hidden costs whatsoever.
Online Chat and Social Features
Many online games include communication features that let players interact with each other. While these can enhance the social experience of gaming, they also introduce risks that are important to understand.
Text and voice chat: Multiplayer games often include text chat, voice chat, or both. These features allow players to coordinate gameplay, socialise, and build communities. However, they can also expose players to toxic behaviour, inappropriate language, harassment, and unwanted contact from strangers.
Cyberbullying in gaming: Unfortunately, online bullying is a reality in some gaming communities. This can take the form of verbal abuse through chat, deliberate disruption of gameplay (known as "griefing"), exclusion from groups, or harassment through friend requests and private messages. If you or your child experience cyberbullying in a game, document the behaviour, use the game's reporting tools, block the offending player, and if necessary, report the incident to the eSafety Commissioner.
Grooming and predatory behaviour: In rare but serious cases, online gaming chat can be used by predators to build relationships with children. Warning signs include adults who are unusually interested in befriending young players, who ask personal questions, who offer gifts or in-game items, or who try to move conversations to private platforms. Teach children to recognise these behaviours and to tell a trusted adult immediately.
How to stay safe in chat: Keep conversations focused on the game. Don't share personal details. Use the mute and block features if someone is being inappropriate. Report toxic behaviour through the game's official channels. And remember — you're never obligated to respond to messages from strangers.
Identifying Safe Gaming Websites
Not all gaming websites are created equal. Here's how to identify trustworthy sites and avoid dodgy ones:
Look for HTTPS: Check the address bar in your browser. Safe websites use HTTPS (the padlock icon), which means the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted. Avoid entering any information on sites that only use HTTP.
Check for a clear privacy policy: Reputable gaming websites have a transparent privacy policy that explains what data they collect, how they use it, and who they share it with. If a site doesn't have a privacy policy — or if the policy is vague and evasive — that's a red flag.
Be wary of excessive ads: While most free websites rely on some advertising for revenue, sites that bombard you with pop-ups, redirect you to other sites, or display inappropriate ads are best avoided. Excessive advertising is often a sign of a low-quality or potentially malicious site.
No personal data requirements: A browser game should not need your real name, email address, phone number, or date of birth to let you play. If a site requires extensive personal information before you can access games, treat it with suspicion. Legitimate browser gaming platforms let you play first and offer account creation as an optional feature.
Check for a physical address and contact information: Trustworthy websites generally provide clear contact information, including a physical address or at least a verifiable business entity. Sites with no discernible ownership or contact details deserve extra scrutiny.
Scams and Phishing in Gaming
Gamers are targeted by scammers just like everyone else on the internet. Being aware of common scams can help you avoid falling victim to them.
Fake "free" item offers: Scammers often create websites or social media posts promising free in-game items, currency, or premium content. These typically require you to enter your account credentials, which are then stolen. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
Phishing emails and messages: You might receive emails or in-game messages that appear to be from a gaming platform, warning you about account security or offering rewards. These messages often contain links to fake websites designed to steal your login details. Always go directly to the official website by typing the address in your browser, rather than clicking links in emails or messages.
Trading scams: In games that allow player-to-player trading, scammers may offer deals that seem incredibly favourable, only to exploit the trading system to steal your items. Never trade outside of a game's official trading system, and be cautious of deals that seem too generous.
"Account verification" scams: Scammers may pose as game administrators or support staff, claiming they need to verify your account. Legitimate game staff will never ask for your password. If someone claiming to be from the game asks for your login details, they're not who they say they are.
Malware disguised as game modifications: Downloading game modifications (mods), cheats, or hacks from unofficial sources is a common way to accidentally install malware on your device. Stick to official sources, and never download executable files from untrusted websites.
Screen Time and Healthy Gaming Habits
Gaming is a fantastic hobby, but like anything enjoyable, balance is key. Here's how to maintain healthy gaming habits:
Set time limits. It's remarkably easy to lose track of time when you're engrossed in a game. Setting a timer or using built-in screen time features on your device can help you keep gaming sessions to a reasonable length. There's no universal "right" amount, but being intentional about your gaming time is important.
Take regular breaks. Extended periods of screen time can cause eye strain, headaches, and physical discomfort. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (about 6 metres) away for at least 20 seconds. Take a proper break every hour — stand up, stretch, walk around, and give your eyes a rest from the screen.
Stay physically active. Gaming shouldn't replace physical activity. Make sure you (and your children) are getting regular exercise alongside gaming time. The Australian Government recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, and children should be physically active for at least 60 minutes every day.
Watch for signs of problematic gaming. While gaming addiction is relatively rare, it's worth being aware of the warning signs: neglecting responsibilities (work, school, relationships) in favour of gaming, feeling irritable or anxious when unable to play, needing to play for increasingly longer periods to feel satisfied, and being unable to reduce gaming time despite wanting to.
Maintain a balanced lifestyle. Gaming is at its best when it's part of a balanced life that includes physical activity, social interactions (both online and offline), hobbies, work or study, and adequate sleep. If gaming is crowding out other important activities, it might be time to reassess.
Be mindful of gaming before bed. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with sleep quality, and the stimulation of gaming can make it harder to wind down. Try to stop gaming at least 30 minutes before bedtime, and consider using your device's night mode or blue light filter in the evening.
Australian Resources for Online Safety
Australia has excellent resources available for anyone who needs help or advice relating to online safety. Here are the key organisations and services:
eSafety Commissioner (esafety.gov.au) — Australia's independent regulator for online safety. The eSafety Commissioner can investigate cyberbullying targeting children, image-based abuse, seriously harmful online content, and other online safety issues. They also provide extensive educational resources for parents, teachers, and young people.
Kids Helpline (kidshelpline.com.au | 1800 55 1800) — A free, private, and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Kids Helpline can help with a wide range of issues, including cyberbullying, online safety concerns, and mental health.
Gambling Help Online (gamblinghelponline.org.au | 1800 858 858) — If you or someone you know is experiencing issues with gambling (including concerns about gambling-like mechanics in games such as loot boxes), Gambling Help Online provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
BetStop (betstop.gov.au) — Australia's National Self-Exclusion Register. If you're concerned about gambling behaviour, you can register with BetStop to exclude yourself from all licensed Australian wagering services.
Lifeline (lifeline.org.au | 13 11 14) — A national crisis support service providing 24/7 phone, text, and online chat support for anyone experiencing emotional distress. If gaming-related stress or other concerns are affecting your mental health, Lifeline is there to help.
ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) — The ACMA regulates communications and media services in Australia, including aspects of online content and telecommunications. They can provide information about your rights and the rules that apply to online services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online games safe for children?
Online games can be perfectly safe for children when appropriate precautions are taken. Choose age-rated games, enable parental controls, supervise younger players, discuss online safety rules, and create an environment where your child feels comfortable telling you if something goes wrong. Platforms like WildPlay that don't require accounts, personal information, or have chat features are inherently safer for young players.
How do I set up parental controls for gaming?
Most devices and platforms have built-in parental controls. On Windows, use Microsoft Family Safety. On Apple devices, use Screen Time. On Android, use Google Family Link. These tools let you restrict content, set time limits, control app downloads, and disable in-app purchases. Refer to the Parental Controls section above for step-by-step guidance.
What should I do if my child encounters cyberbullying in a game?
Document the bullying by taking screenshots. Use the game's built-in reporting and blocking tools. Talk to your child about the experience and reassure them it's not their fault. If the bullying is serious or ongoing, report it to the eSafety Commissioner at esafety.gov.au, who has the authority to investigate and take action. You can also contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 for support.
How much screen time is too much for gaming?
There's no single "right" amount, as it depends on age, individual circumstances, and whether other aspects of life (physical activity, sleep, social interaction, responsibilities) are being maintained. The key is balance. Australian guidelines recommend that children aged 5-17 limit recreational screen time to no more than two hours per day. For adults, the focus should be on ensuring gaming doesn't displace sleep, exercise, or important responsibilities.
Can I get a virus from playing browser games?
Playing games on reputable websites through a modern, up-to-date browser is very safe. Modern browsers have built-in security features that prevent malicious code from running. The risk comes from downloading files from untrusted sources, clicking suspicious links, or visiting disreputable websites. Stick to trusted gaming platforms like WildPlay, keep your browser updated, and avoid downloading anything from sources you don't trust.