GAMING, DEVICES AND
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Advice for preventing online
child sexual exploitation
PARENTS & CARERS,
This resource has been created for you when it comes to
choosing and setting up new devices for your family.
Our experience is that many parents and carers feel
overwhelmed when it comes to their child’s online activities,
with many devices available and many dierent safety
options to be across – it can be hard to know exactly what
to do to keep your child safe.
Market research commissioned by the Australian Centre
to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE), indicates that
just three per cent of parents and carers listed online
grooming as a concern. More than half did not know what
they could do to keep children safe from online child sexual
exploitation.
This resource aims to provide information on popular
devices, safety considerations and options available for you
to manage your child’s online activities.
It is always recommended you undertake your own
research in deciding whether a device, app or game is
suitable for your child.
Many people think that apps, games and sites specically
aimed at children are ‘safer’, which is not necessarily the
case. Apps, games and sites that are marketed towards
children may still have interactive online functions.
Having an understanding of the features of devices, apps
and games your children are using, particularly whether
there is an internet connection and the ability to connect
with other users, is important for keeping them safe.
For further information on preventing online child sexual
exploitation, visit thinkuknow.org.au.
CONTENTS
Gaming ................................ 2
Xbox ..........................................3
Playstation ................................. 4
Nintendo Switch ........................5
Smart devices ..................... 6
Smartphones .............................7
Tablets .......................................9
Safety contract .................. 11
Tips ..................................... 12
To report online child sexual
exploitation
Report child online sexual exploitation via the Report
Abuse Button on the ACCCE, AFP or ThinkUKnow
websites:
All reports are assessed by the AFP-led ACCCE Child
Protection Triage Unit.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, contact
Triple Zero (000).
For non-emergency situations that still require a timely
response, contact your local police station or call 131
444.
ThinkUKnow
Australian Centre to
Counter Child Exploitation
ACCCE
accceaus
ACCCE_AUS
ACCCEaus
ThinkUKnow Australia
ThinkUKnow_Aus
ThinkUKnowAUS
Child sexual abuse material or other oensive
and illegal content can be reported to the
eSafety Commissioner who will work to remove
it. Report online at esafety.gov.au/report.
1
thinkuknow.org.au
Updated 2022
accce.gov.au
Additional resources
Ҙ ThinkUKnow family activity:
Learning about safer gaming and
smart usernames
Ҙ ThinkUKnow fact sheet: Online
gaming
Ҙ ThinkUKnow fact sheet: Instant
messaging
GAMING
There are many positive aspects to
online gaming. Your child may play
games to pass time, for escapism,
to be creative, problem solve and
socialise.
Games can be played on numerous devices such
as consoles, computers, tablets and phones.
Games can also have augmented or virtual reality
capabilities.
Many games have the ability to play single player,
however online multiplayer gaming is a popular
activity for young people.
Local multiplayer usually means that your child
needs to be connected to the same local area
network, for example a network within the same
home.
Online multiplayer mode allows your child to
connect with their friends remotely, as well as the
ability to connect with gamers from all over the
world and of any age.
Further information and advice on keeping
your child safe while gaming can be found at
thinkuknow.org.au.
SPOTLIGHT
Apps for communicating
during gameplay
Many gamers use separate apps to
communicate with other players. These
apps can run in the background or on
separate devices (such as phones) and
allow your child to use voice and video
chat, even if you have enabled parental
controls on the game itself.
For this reason, it is important you know
what apps your children use and how they
use them when looking to secure your
child’s device.
Discord is a popular example used by
gamers.
Many reports to the Australian Centre
to Counter Child Exploitation start
with an oender targeting children
during an online game.
2
thinkuknow.org.au
Updated 2022
accce.gov.au
XBOX
Xbox is a popular gaming console made by
Microsoft.
The latest models are Xbox Series S and
Xbox Series X. Xbox One is also still popular.
Internet connectivity: Yes
What you need to know
§ Xbox has direct messaging features, voice chat with
other players during multiplayer games, web browser
capabilities as well as access to online streaming
apps.
§ Xbox has a complementary smartphone app where
you can interact with friends online through direct
message friends and voice chat.
§ Players are able to voice chat within the game when
playing multiplayer games. This can be done with a
microphone or using the Xbox smartphone app.
§ As with any direct messaging online interactivity, there
is the risk of inappropriate contact and online
grooming.
§ Young people who are playing multiplayer games
could be playing with people they don’t know, and
could be a lot older than they are.
§ Children and young people should be aware of the
information they are sharing with others while chatting
in-game.
§ When signing up for games, young people may be
asked to create a prole and username. Choose
proles or usernames that don’t give away information
including your child’s name, age or location.
Ways to prevent inappropriate contact
Parental controls
Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X come with family settings
built in to manage safety. These include:
§ Filtering content to ensure age-appropriate content
§ Privacy options
§ Tools to manage inappropriate contact and abuse
Xbox family settings app
The Xbox family settings app allows parents and carers
to manage their children’s console gaming activities,
including:
§ Creating a family account
§ Approving incoming requests (including reviewing and
responding to ‘new friend’ requests)
§ Managing online interactions (allowing your child to
‘ask a parent’ to add a friend or remove friends).
More information on the Xbox family settings app
can be found here.
Step-by-step parental controls
Popular games
§ Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
§ Minecraft
§ Grand Theft Auto 5
§ Fortnite
§ Elden Ring
§ Assassins Creed
§ FIFA
§ Battleeld
§ Overwatch
In some cases games also come with their own
settings.
Check that the parental control settings that you
have applied to the console also apply to any in-
game features, most importantly in-game chat.
Xbox set up
3
thinkuknow.org.au
Updated 2022
accce.gov.au
PlayStation is a popular gaming console
made by Sony.
PlayStation 5 (PS5) is the current release
of the console which has similar operating
system and features as its predecessor PS4.
Internet connectivity: Yes
PLAYSTATION
What you need to know
§ PlayStation has a complementary smartphone app to
interact with friends online, including direct message
and voice chat, as well as sharing images/videos/
attachments.
§ The PS5 controller has a built in microphone to allow
for voice chat when playing multiplayer games.
§ As with any direct messaging or online interactivity,
there is the risk of inappropriate contact and online
grooming.
§ Young people who are playing multiplayer games
could be playing with people they don’t know, and
could be a lot older than they are.
§ Children and young people should be aware of the
information they are sharing with others.
§ When signing up for games, young people may be
asked to create a prole and username. Choose
proles or usernames that don’t give away information
including your child’s name, age or location.
Ways to prevent inappropriate contact
Parental controls
PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 come with parental control
options built in to manage safety. These include:
§ Restricting communications, disabling chat,
messaging content and sharing
§ Restricting child access to web browsers
§ Family management and parental controls
PlayStation family management
PlayStation family management can help parents and
carers manage their children’s console gaming activities,
including:
§ Setting up a family account
§ Managing access to games, videos and applications
§ Disabling text, video and voice chat messages
§ Blocking user-generated video, streams and pictures.
More information on PlayStation family management
can be found here.
Step-by-step parental controls
PlayStation 4
PlayStation 5
PlayStation also includes advice on pre-set
parental controls on PlayStation 5 for children,
early teens and late teens.
Popular games
§ Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
§ Minecraft
§ Grand Theft Auto 5
§ Fortnite
§ Spider-Man
§ Assassin’s Creed
§ FIFA
In some cases games also come with their own
settings.
Check that the parental control settings that you
have applied to the console also apply to any in-
game features, most importantly in-game chat.
4
thinkuknow.org.au
Updated 2022
accce.gov.au
Nintendo Switch is a gaming console
created by Nintendo. It can be used a
home gaming console and is easily portable.
Internet connectivity: Yes
NINTENDO SWITCH
What you need to know
§ Nintendo oer an online subscription service called
Nintendo Switch Online. It includes online multiplayer,
cloud saving, voice chat via the smartphone app.
§ Voice chat capabilities are not limited to the Nintendo
Switch Online smartphone app and there are some
games that oer voice chat functionally. Nintendo
Switch does not have a built in microphone so users
will need headphones with a built in microphone to
enable this feature.
§ Nintendo switch has limited web browser capabilities,
which are limited to certain functions such as opening
hyperlinks.
Ways to prevent inappropriate contact
Parental controls
The Nintendo Switch parental controls smart device
app allows for parents and carers to monitor their
children’s activities, including:
§ Monitoring what your child is playing through daily and
monthly reports
§ Restricting access to certain games
§ Restricting communication with other users
§ Restricting the ability of posting screenshots to social
network services
Parents and carers must have a Nintendo Account in order
to use the Nintendo Switch parental controls smart device
app.
Communication restrictions can also be set for individual
games and there is also the ability to set certain restrictions
on Nintendo Switch directly.
For frequently asked questions about Nintendo Switch
parental controls visit here.
Step-by-step parental controls
Popular games
§ Animal Crossing: New Horizon
§ Mario
§ Pokémon
§ The Legend of Zelda
§ Ring Fit Adventure
In some cases games also come with their own
settings.
Check that the parental control settings that you
have applied to the console also apply to any in-
game features, most importantly in-game chat.
Nintendo Switch set up
5
thinkuknow.org.au
Updated 2022
accce.gov.au
SMART DEVICES
Technology plays an important role for all ages
in our everyday lives. It helps children and
young people interact with their peers, express
themselves, learn about the world and feel
connected.
Children may use smart devices such as tablets for learning,
watching videos or playing games.
Young people can readily access the internet and technology in
public places, schools and at home. They may use their phones
for social media, watching videos and sharing photos or videos.
Additional resources
Ҙ ThinkUKnow fact sheet: Social networking
meeting people
Ҙ ThinkUKnow fact sheet: Live streaming
Ҙ ThinkUKnow fact sheet: Instant messaging
Ҙ ThinkUKnow family activity: Learning about
personal information and image sharing
Ҙ ThinkUKnow family activity: Learning about
safer online interactions and online grooming
6
thinkuknow.org.au
Updated 2022
accce.gov.au
SMARTPHONES
Smartphones are typically internet connected devices,
able to connect outside of Wi-Fi depending on the phone
plan. They are also typically touchscreen, providing greater
accessibility, and have camera (image and video taking) as
well as call and SMS capabilities.
Many young people may use a smartphone for networking
with friends, exploring social media and accessing the
internet more readily.
Smartphones are usually smaller than tablets.
Internet connection: Yes
What you need to know
§ If a smartphone is connected to the internet it can do a range of functions, depending on the apps that have been
installed.
§ Social networking apps on smartphones allow for young people to interact with other users in a variety of dierent
ways.
§ Smartphones allow for a variety of direct/private messaging apps for users to message privately with others. There are
also specic messaging apps that have varying text, video and voice call options.
§ Smartphones, similar to tablets, are a popular mechanism for playing online games. These can be downloaded or
installed, and are often played online and have in-game chat features.
§ If your child is using social media they may have ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ on their accounts they have only met and
spoken to online. Unfortunately it can be easy for someone to lie about their online identity and it can be dicult
to prove someone is who they say they are.
§ Smartphone cameras make it easier for children and young people to take images of themselves at any time.
Depending on the circumstance, it may be referred to as personal image sharing, sexting, sending a ‘sele’, or sending
a ‘pic’.
§ The camera function of a smartphone, along with social networking capability means that young people are readily able
to share photos and videos they take with others online, this may also include live streaming.
§ Content depicting a person under the age of 18 can be considered child sexual exploitation or abuse material, and
it can be considered an oence to produce, store or distribute under Commonwealth legislation.
§ As with any direct messaging or online interactivity, there is the risk of inappropriate contact and online grooming.
7
thinkuknow.org.au
Updated 2022
accce.gov.au
Ways to prevent online child sexual
exploitation
Parental controls
Apple has a range of parental controls that can be enabled
on iPhone devices, including:
§ Setting content and privacy restrictions
§ Preventing explicit content and content ratings
§ Preventing web content and restrict Siri web search
§ Restricting game centre
§ Allowing changes to privacy settings
Step-by-step parental controls
Further details on tools available for parents and
carers can be found here.
To enable parental controls for Samsung and
Google devices, you will be required to download
the Google family link app from the Google
PlayStore.
Google’s Family Link app is a tool designed to help parents
and carers manage their child’s online activities, including:
§ Viewing app activity
§ Managing apps
§ Setting content restrictions
Availability of these can vary depending on your child’s
device. A list of compatible devices can be found here.
Once the Family link app is installed, parents and carers will
need to also download the app on their own device and
link the accounts.
Parents and carers can also use Family link to create a
Google Account for their child under 13. Once complete,
children can sign-in to their device with their new account.
Additional information about the Family link app, including
limitations, can be found here.
Frequently asked questions about Family link app can be
found here.
Samsung also has a feature called Samsung kids which
is available on phone or tablet. It also allows parents and
carers to set a time limit, control permissions, and see
usage reports. For advice on set up visit here.
Parental controls are also available on Google Play,
allowing parents and carers to restrict what content can be
downloaded or purchased based on maturity level.
Apple
Samsung
Google and Parent guide to Google Play
Popular apps
§ TikTok
§ Instagram
§ Snapchat
In some cases apps also come with their own
settings and default settings that may need to be
changed to ‘private.’
Check that the parental control settings that you
have applied to your child’s smartphone also apply
to any apps, most importantly the ability to direct
message or ‘chat’.
8
thinkuknow.org.au
Updated 2022
accce.gov.au
TABLETS
Tablets are portable devices that allow users to stream
movies and TV shows, play games, interact with others
online, read books and even create and share artwork.
Tablets are typically internet connected devices, providing
access to anything and everything online. They usually also
have camera (image and video taking) capabilities.
There are many tablets on the market, including Apple
iPads, as well as Android, including Samsung and Microsoft
tablets, among others.
Tablets are typically larger than a mobile phone and are
touchscreen, making them an easier and accessible option
to connect to the internet.
Internet connection: Yes
What you need to know
§ Tablets allow for connection to the internet through a range of functions.
§ Watching and streaming content, including videos, is a very popular activity for children. There are many apps or
platforms designed specically for viewing uploaded and livestreamed content.
§ Tablets are also a popular mechanism for playing games. These can be downloaded or installed onto a device, and are
often played online and have in-game chat features.
§ Social networking is another popular activity, with many dierent apps on tablets allowing for young people to interact
other users, in a variety of dierent ways.
§ As with any video or streaming service, there is the potential for exposure to inappropriate content. Children who come
across this content may become distressed or uncomfortable.
§ Direct messaging or online interactivity also creates the risk of inappropriate contact and online grooming.
§ With any internet browsing children may also come across ‘pop-ups’, suggesting they click for an array of reasons. It
could be an advertisement, contact request, friend request, scam or link to a dierent or inappropriate website.
9
thinkuknow.org.au
Updated 2022
accce.gov.au
Ways to prevent inappropriate contact
Parental controls
Apple’s parental control options cover a range of Apple
devices. Similar to the options for iPhone, parental controls
can be enabled on iPads, including:
§ Setting content and privacy restrictions
§ Preventing explicit content and content ratings
§ Preventing web content and restrict Siri web search
§ Restricting game centre
§ Allowing changes to privacy settings
Step-by-step parental controls
SPOTLIGHT
Shared devices in the family
Some families may choose to share a device
which includes the apps that children use, as
well as parent/carer social media accounts. It is
recommended that social media accounts are
logged out if children are accessing the device to
prevent accidental access.
Further details on tools available for parents and
carers can be found here.
For Android devices (including Samsung), parents
and carers can restrict app usage by setting up
Parental controls through Google family link app
available from the Google PlayStore.
Google’s Family Link app is a tool designed to help parents
and carers manage their child’s online activities, including:
§ Viewing app activity
§ Managing apps
§ Setting content restrictions
Samsung also has a feature called Samsung kids which
is available on phone or tablet. It also allows parents and
carers to set a time limit, control permissions, and see
usage reports. For advice on set up visit here.
Parental controls are also available on Google Play,
allowing parents and carers to restrict what content can be
downloaded or purchased based on maturity level.
Google has a feature called Kids space which includes
‘kids mode’ content and is available on select Android
tablets.
Apple
Samsung
Google and Parent guide to Google Play
Popular apps
§ Roblox
§ Netix
§ YouTube
§ YouTube Kids
§ Minecraft
§ Procreate
In some cases apps also come with their own
settings and default settings that may need to be
changed to ‘private.’
Check that the parental control settings that you
have applied to your child’s smartphone also apply
to any apps, most importantly the ability to direct
message or ‘chat’.
10
thinkuknow.org.au
Updated 2022
accce.gov.au
FAMILY ONLINE
SAFETY CONTRACT
Developed in collaboration with the Carly Ryan Foundation,
this agreement can help you manage your family’s internet use.
Tell my parents or carer if I see something that makes me feel upset,
uncomfortable or scares me.
Be aware that people online are not always who they say they are, and do not
always tell the truth.
Let my parents supervise where I go online as I understand they do this to help
keep me safe.
Tell my parents or carer if someone sends me rude or naked pictures, or links that
I did not ask for.
Not give out personal information about myself, my family, my friends, or
others online, including full names, addresses, phone numbers or schools.
Not share my passwords or usernames with anyone but a parent or carer and I
understand they will only use it if they are worried about me or my safety.
Treat others the way I want to be treated online and with the same respect as I
wouldofine.
Never use the internet or a mobile device to cyberbully someone.
Make sure all of my accounts are always set to private.
Not talk to anyone online, or add anyone on my social networks, if I don’t know
themofine.
Never agree to meet someone in person that I have only met online, and I will
tell my parents if someone asks to meet me.
Accept my parents or carer as a ‘Friend’ on social media providing they ask for
my permission before posting or commenting on my content, and they speak to
merstiftheyseesomethingtheydon’tagreewithonmyproles.
Not respond to emails, instant messages, messages or friend requests from
people I don’t know.
Never send someone a photo of myself online without checking with my parents
orcarerrst.
Learn how to block and report people online and tell my parents or carer
immediately if doing this.
Ask for permission before downloading any apps, games or software, so my
parents or carer can check these are appropriate for my age and won’t harm
the device.
Teach my parents or carer about the internet, apps, games and websites I enjoy.
Agree to the online time limits set by my parents or carer and put my
devices to bed at night to help me get a restful sleep.
Signed: Signed:
(Child) (Parent/carer)
Family Online Safety Contract
This contract helps us stay safe when it comes to what we SEE, SAY and DO online.
I ______________________________________________________________________, will:
(Child)
Tell my parents or carer if I see something that makes me feel upset,
uncomfortable or scares me.
Be aware that people online are not always who they say they are, and do not
always tell the truth.
Let my parents supervise where I go online as I understand they do this to help
keep me safe.
Tell my parents or carer if someone sends me rude or naked pictures, or links that
I did not ask for.
Not give out personal information about myself, my family, my friends, or
others online, including full names, addresses, phone numbers or schools.
Not share my passwords or usernames with anyone but a parent or carer and I
understand they will only use it if they are worried about me or my safety.
Treat others the way I want to be treated online and with the same respect as I
wouldofine.
Never use the internet or a mobile device to cyberbully someone.
Make sure all of my accounts are always set to private.
Not talk to anyone online, or add anyone on my social networks, if I don’t know
themofine.
Never agree to meet someone in person that I have only met online, and I will
tell my parents if someone asks to meet me.
Accept my parents or carer as a ‘Friend’ on social media providing they ask for
my permission before posting or commenting on my content, and they speak to
merstiftheyseesomethingtheydon’tagreewithonmyproles.
Not respond to emails, instant messages, messages or friend requests from
people I don’t know.
Never send someone a photo of myself online without checking with my parents
orcarerrst.
Learn how to block and report people online and tell my parents or carer
immediately if doing this.
Ask for permission before downloading any apps, games or software, so my
parents or carer can check these are appropriate for my age and won’t harm
the device.
Teach my parents or carer about the internet, apps, games and websites I enjoy.
Agree to the online time limits set by my parents or carer and put my
devices to bed at night to help me get a restful sleep.
Signed: Signed:
(Child) (Parent/carer)
Family Online Safety Contract
This contract helps us stay safe when it comes to what we SEE, SAY and DO online.
I ______________________________________________________________________, will:
(Child)
A blank version for families to create their own agreement
is available from thinkuknow.org.au
11
thinkuknow.org.au
Updated 2022
accce.gov.au
THINKUKNOW TIPS
Supervision is essential
This means knowing what your children are doing online, who they are
interacting with and what platforms, apps or games they are using.
Have open conversations, often
The most important tip we can give any parent or carer is to start
talking to your child about their online activities. According to research
commissioned by the ACCCE, only 52 per cent of parents or carers talk
to their children about online safety.
Check privacy settings
We recommend parents and carers research and understand app
settings, including privacy settings. This could include turning o location
settings, setting proles to private, or turning o chat functions.
Be approachable if your child needs help
Coming forward isn’t always easy, and children may feel reluctant to tell
you about online issues if they believe they will be punished or have their
devices taken away.
Know how to report
If something goes wrong online, it is critical your child is supported.
Parents and carers need to know how to take action.
12
thinkuknow.org.au
Updated 2022
accce.gov.au
