Talk with children about voice chat and strangers

Agree on personal information

Before a child joins voice or text chat, discuss what should stay private: full name, address, school, phone number, passwords and live location. Encourage them to leave a conversation that feels uncomfortable and tell a trusted adult. Explain that usernames and profile pictures can reveal more than intended, even when the child is playing under a nickname.

Learn the tools together

Show the player how to mute, block and report someone using the current game's or platform's official controls. Review who can send messages, join parties or view a profile. Controls vary by service and game, and a console setting may not cover a separate voice-chat application. Practice using the tools before a difficult incident happens.

Make reporting feel safe

A child should know that asking for help will not automatically mean losing all access to games. Agree in advance what to do if someone asks to meet, requests a photo or threatens them. Save relevant details only when safe and report through the platform. ESRB and platform safety guidance can help families start the conversation, but cannot replace supervision.

Sources and further reading

• PlayStation: Safety for parents
• ESRB: Tools for Parents