Gaming Safety & Your Legal Rights
Protect your children from gaming risks and understand your rights as a UK parent when it comes to refunds, spending, and age ratings.
UK-Specific Guidance
The gaming industry has made progress on parental controls, but parents still need to be proactive. Setting up spending limits before handing over a device is essential—not after the first big bill arrives.
Key Gaming Risks for Children
Loot Boxes & Gambling Mechanics
Randomized in-game purchases that mirror gambling behaviour. The UK Gambling Commission is increasingly scrutinizing these mechanics.
UK Context
The UK is considering legislation to classify loot boxes as gambling for under-18s.
Parent Action
Disable in-app purchases and discuss why randomized rewards can be problematic.
In-Game Spending & Microtransactions
Small purchases that add up quickly. Children may not understand the real-world value of virtual currency.
UK Context
UK families spend an average of £270/year on in-game purchases.
Parent Action
Set spending limits, use prepaid cards, and require approval for purchases.
Roblox-Specific Risks
User-generated content means quality and safety vary widely. Trading systems can lead to scams.
UK Context
Roblox is the most popular gaming platform for UK children aged 5-12.
Parent Action
Enable all parental controls and regularly review games your child plays.
Contact with Strangers
Online multiplayer games often include voice and text chat with unknown players.
UK Context
25% of UK children have been contacted by strangers through games.
Parent Action
Disable public chat, use platform friend controls, monitor friend lists.
Your Legal Rights as a UK Parent
Popular Platform Safety Guides
Roblox
70M+ daily active users
Fortnite
350M+ registered accounts
Set Up Spending Protection
PlayStation
- 1Go to Settings > Family and Parental Controls
- 2Select child account > Parental Controls
- 3Set Monthly Spending Limit
- 4Require password for purchases
Xbox
- 1Sign in to family.microsoft.com
- 2Select child's profile > Spending
- 3Set spending limits and notifications
- 4Approve purchase requests via app
Nintendo Switch
- 1Download Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app
- 2Link to your Switch console
- 3Set spending restrictions
- 4Disable eShop access if needed
Mobile (iOS/Android)
- 1iOS: Screen Time > Content & Privacy > iTunes & App Store Purchases
- 2Android: Google Play > Settings > Parental Controls
- 3Require authentication for all purchases
- 4Use Family Sharing/Link for oversight
What To Do If Your Child Overspends
Immediate Steps
- 1
Document Everything
Screenshot transactions, note dates and amounts
- 2
Contact the Platform
Request a refund citing unauthorized purchase by a minor
- 3
Contact Your Bank
They may be able to reverse charges as fraud
If Refused
- 4
Escalate the Complaint
Ask for a manager or use the formal complaints process
- 5
Contact Citizens Advice
Free guidance on consumer rights
- 6
Small Claims Court
For amounts under £10,000, consider Money Claims Online