Children and teenagers are frequent users of online gaming, video sharing, messaging, and social networks. Because of their active digital presence and relative inexperience, they face unique cyber risks often concealed within entertainment or social platforms.

• Online Gaming Scams and Fake Cheat Codes: Offers of free gaming currency, skins, or cheats often lead to credential theft or malware. Learn more about Unexpected Money & Prize Scams and Gambling Scams.
• Social Media Grooming and Deception: Strangers posing as peers or trusted individuals to extract personal information or private photographs. Explore Social Media Scams and Phishing.
• Sextortion and Image-Based Blackmail: Coercion tactics that exploit private media to demand money or further compromises. See Social Media Scams and Identity Theft & Fraud.
• Malicious Apps and APKs Shared via Messaging: Unofficial game modifications and download links shared in chat groups that install spyware or trackers. Learn how to identify Ransomware & Malware and Scam Text Messages.
• Gambling-Themed and Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: Loot boxes, skin betting, and free-gift claims designed to extract card details. Review Gambling Scams and Unexpected Money Scams.

• Use Parental Controls and Supervised Accounts: Set up device-level screen time, content filters, and store purchase restrictions.
• Guard Personal Information: Never share your real name, school, home address, phone number, or live location in gaming handles or public profiles.
• Install from Official Stores Only: Avoid sideloading APK files or downloading software from chat links and unverified websites.
• Maintain Open Communication: Talk with parents, guardians, or trusted adults if an online contact makes you feel uncomfortable, frightened, or pressured.
• Enable Privacy Settings: Ensure social media accounts and gaming profiles are restricted to approved friends and contacts.

• Demands for secrecy or urging you not to tell parents or teachers.
• Unsolicited links offering free items, currency, or special privileges.
• Pressure to act immediately or threats of exposure.
• Requests to move conversations away from moderated game platforms to unmonitored private messaging apps.