Online gaming can be lots of fun!

There is so much to do, see and explore when you are playing a game. It can be fun to learn new things and to solve problems. 

It’s great to play with friends online too

Online games can let you play with your friends even when you’re not together. Sometimes you might even have strangers in your game or team who could live on the other side of the world!

But sometimes other players can be mean

When you play online with other people, sometimes they can be mean, rude or say some hurtful things. Bullying can happen in games too.

Bullying in games is called cyberbullying

Cyberbullying happens when other players swear at you, call you names or send you hurtful messages. They might gang up on you, leave you out or destroy or steal your items.

It’s never ok for somebody to bully you

People who bully want to make you feel bad about yourself. But, it’s important not to believe the negative things other people say about you when you’re gaming online.

There are things you can do!

You can block or report the people who are bullying you. Turning off the chat or muting the bullying can help too. You could even leave the game, start a new one or just take a break for a little bit.

Sadly not everyone online is your friend

Some people might start off friendly, but then end up pressuring you or hurting you.

Things might start out fun, but could become scary or upsetting.

You don’t know who they really are

They might seem friendly and have a nice profile, but remember that if you don't know them in real life then they are a stranger.

Someone online might ask you lots of questions...

They may ask for photos, a phone number, your address, or what suburb you live in.

You don't have to answer – just leave the game or ignore them and tell a trusted adult about it.

Don't accept free gifts, favours, or game credits

They might want something from you in return. They might make you feel special now, but later pressure you into doing something you don't want to do. Try saying 'no thanks' and leave the conversation.

It can be easy to over-share online

You might put a lot of personal info online. Sometimes people ask all the right questions and before you know it... you've shared too much!

It's ok to make mistakes

Just like learning something new at school, learning how to be safe online takes practice.

We all make mistakes at first – just be sure to get help if you feel worried or upset about anything online.

Talk to a parent, teacher, or Kids Helpline counsellor

Even if the other person doesn't want you to tell anyone, you're allowed to talk about it with an adult you trust.

It's important to tell an adult – then together you can figure out what to do next

Sometimes friends fight

Having a friend is not always fun. Sometimes friends get angry with each other or feel hurt about something. Fighting can be really upsetting for everyone.

It’s ok to have a break and figure out how you feel

Spend some time apart from each other. Do some things you enjoy. Ask yourself what you’re feeling and how your friend might feel.

Let’s talk about it

Talk to your friend alone in a quiet place. Try to stay calm. It’s good to let your friend know how you feel about the fight but remember to listen to how your friend feels too.

What happens now?

You might still want to be friends after the fight. Or maybe you don’t want to stay friends anymore. It’s ok for friendships to change - a new friend might be just around the corner!

Lonely feels like no one is there for you or wants to be around you

You don’t have to be alone to feel lonely – you can feel lonely in a crowd of people or even sitting right next to someone!

Everybody feels lonely sometimes

It’s not something that just happens to kids. Grown ups, old people, and probably even your dog, all have times when they feel lonely.

When have you felt lonely?

You could feel lonely if you were moving to a new school and had to make new friends. Or maybe if your family and friends are too busy to play with you.

Being alone means time for you!

Did you know there are lots of activities that are fun to do when you’re alone? Like reading, watching TV, listening to music and drawing. What else could you do on your own?

When feeling lonely is too hard

If you feel lonely for a long time it might make you feel very sad. It’s good to talk to someone about how you are feeling so they can help you.

Sometimes friends fight

Having a friend is not always fun. Sometimes friends get angry with each other or feel hurt about something. Fighting can be really upsetting for everyone.

It’s ok to have a break and figure out how you feel

Spend some time apart from each other. Do some things you enjoy. Ask yourself what you’re feeling and how your friend might feel.

Let’s talk about it

Talk to your friend alone in a quiet place. Try to stay calm. It’s good to let your friend know how you feel about the fight but remember to listen to how your friend feels too.

What happens now?

You might still want to be friends after the fight. Or maybe you don’t want to stay friends anymore. It’s ok for friendships to change - a new friend might be just around the corner!