Family Rules for Online Chat (Works for Any Game)

Written by a family tech consultant (and parent). This guide helps you set simple, fair chat rules that work across games and apps — Roblox, Fortnite, WhatsApp, Snapchat and more.

The Core Rules (post on the fridge)

• Private by default: Accounts should be private. Only add real-life friends you both recognise.
• Kind chat only: No insults, pressure, dares or sharing other people’s pictures.
• No personal info: Never share full names, schools, addresses, phone numbers or live locations.
• Ask before adding: New friends should be checked with a parent first.
• Money is adult-only: Don’t accept gifts, links or trades — avoid anything to do with payments.
• Tell me if you’re unsure: You’ll never be in trouble for asking for help.

Quick Scripts Kids Can Use

• Leaving a pushy chat: “I’m logging off now — bye.” (then leave chat / block)
• Saying no to adding: “I keep my game friends to people I know in real life.”
• Responding to dares or pressure: “Not my thing.” (then change game or party)
• If someone asks for photos: “I don’t share photos. That breaks my family rules.”

Set Up Chat Safely (10-minute checklist)

• Roblox: Go to Settings → Privacy → enable ‘Account Restrictions’; limit chat to friends or disable entirely.
• Fortnite: Settings → Audio/Account & Privacy → set Voice Chat to ‘Friends’ or ‘Nobody’; disable Text Chat if needed; set Party Privacy to ‘Friends’ or ‘Private’.
• PlayStation / Xbox / Nintendo: Use family accounts to limit chat and require friend approvals. Also set spending and play-time limits.
• WhatsApp / Snapchat / Instagram: Keep accounts private; limit who can contact; disable location sharing and story visibility for non-friends.
• YouTube: Use Restricted Mode; turn off comments for child-run channels; supervise via Family Link or Screen Time.

Teach the Red Flags

• Pressure to keep secrets, move to another app, or chat late at night.
• Asking for photos, gifts or personal details (name, school, postcode).
• Someone older pretending to be a peer; inconsistent stories; “love bombing”.
• Links to “free Robux/V-Bucks” or prizes; requests to screen-share.

If Something Goes Wrong (do this together)

• Pause and breathe. You’re not in trouble for telling me.
• Keep evidence (screenshots, usernames, links).
• Block and report in-app. Then tighten privacy settings for next time.
• If sexual messages or images were involved, report to CEOP.
• If money or scams were involved, contact your bank and report to Action Fraud.

Where to Get Help (UK & International)

• CEOP Safety Centre — report exploitation directly to UK police.
• NSPCC Online Safety — expert advice and helplines.
• Childline — confidential help for children and young people.
• Internet Matters — setup guides for every platform.
• UK Safer Internet Centre — education resources and reporting routes.
• NCMEC CyberTipline — US-based reporting for international cases.

Family Chat Agreement (sign together)

• We keep accounts private and only add real-life friends.
• We use kind language and leave any chat that feels uncomfortable.
• We never share personal info or photos in chat.
• We ask for help if we’re unsure — no one is in trouble for telling.
• We keep bedtimes and homework times free from chat.

Child signature: _________________________      Date: ____________

Parent/Carer signature: __________________      Date: ____________

Download the Printable Guide

Download Family Rules for Online Chat (PDF)

At Understanding Tech, we’re parents first and tech people second. We test settings, translate jargon and share what actually works — so families feel safer, calmer and more confident online.