How to talk to children about safe play
1. Why talk to your kids about playing safely
Early value formation: Understanding risk helps children make deliberate decisions as adults.
Protection from advertising and peer influence: modern online games and social networks are actively promoting elements of gambling.
Addiction prevention: Early information reduces the likelihood of developing a compulsive interest in betting.
2. Choosing the right time and format
1. Start with a general discussion of statistics
- Give simple numbers: "Out of ten people, only one wins, the rest lose money."
2. Use current situations
- Movies, games with "lotteries" or school stories about betting as a reason to talk.
3. Dialogue format
- Short conversations (10-15 minutes), do not arrange lectures: ask questions and listen carefully.
4. Regular "checkpoints"
- Repeat conversations every six months, taking into account the age and level of interest of the child.
3. Age peculiarities
4. Key messages for the child
1. Playing is entertainment, not a way to make money
2. There are always more losers than winners
3. Never risk the money you need for an important
4. Set time and money limits even in mobile games
5. If something causes stress or a desire to "recoup," stop and talk to an adult
5. Practical Advice for Parents
Set an example: observe the limits yourself, do not play in the presence of a child.
Read and discuss the rules together: any board or digital games where there are betting elements.
Use control tools: screen time, parental control on devices.
Encourage alternatives: sports, creativity, board games without betting.
Explain marketing: Take a closer look at ads for "free freespins" and "sign-up bonuses."
6. Resources for parents and children
Gamblers Help Online (1800 858 858): 24-hour support and advice for parents.
BeGambleAware (begambleaware. org. au): teen materials and conversation tips.
eSafety Commissioner (esafety. gov. au): a guide to controlling digital games.
Kidga: An educational platform about money and risk (kidga. com. au).
7. Supporting environment
1. Openness to questions: make it clear that the child can come to you with any doubts.
2. Joint family rules: Set home "codes" without rates and microtransactions for everyone.
3. Regular check: Check subscriptions and purchases in games to respond in time to suspicious spending.
Conclusion
A clear, understandable and regular conversation with children about safe play helps to establish responsibility, reduce the risk of betting habits and prepare for adulthood with a conscious approach to gambling. Use age approaches, open questions and family rules - and your child will be armed with knowledge for safe digital leisure.
Early value formation: Understanding risk helps children make deliberate decisions as adults.
Protection from advertising and peer influence: modern online games and social networks are actively promoting elements of gambling.
Addiction prevention: Early information reduces the likelihood of developing a compulsive interest in betting.
2. Choosing the right time and format
1. Start with a general discussion of statistics
- Give simple numbers: "Out of ten people, only one wins, the rest lose money."
2. Use current situations
- Movies, games with "lotteries" or school stories about betting as a reason to talk.
3. Dialogue format
- Short conversations (10-15 minutes), do not arrange lectures: ask questions and listen carefully.
4. Regular "checkpoints"
- Repeat conversations every six months, taking into account the age and level of interest of the child.
3. Age peculiarities
| Age | Approach | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 6-9 years | Game as entertainment, the concept of "win-lose" | Excitement in games (cards, "monopoly"), simple bets |
| 10-12 years | Risks and probability, explanation of "random" | Lotteries in mobile games, self-limiting time |
| 13-15 years | Social pressure, advertising, "stars of streams" | Marketing impact, microtransactions, skin-beta |
| 16-18 years | Financial responsibility, real risk angle | Cryptocurrencies, online betting, progressive jackpots |
4. Key messages for the child
1. Playing is entertainment, not a way to make money
2. There are always more losers than winners
3. Never risk the money you need for an important
4. Set time and money limits even in mobile games
5. If something causes stress or a desire to "recoup," stop and talk to an adult
5. Practical Advice for Parents
Set an example: observe the limits yourself, do not play in the presence of a child.
Read and discuss the rules together: any board or digital games where there are betting elements.
Use control tools: screen time, parental control on devices.
Encourage alternatives: sports, creativity, board games without betting.
Explain marketing: Take a closer look at ads for "free freespins" and "sign-up bonuses."
6. Resources for parents and children
Gamblers Help Online (1800 858 858): 24-hour support and advice for parents.
BeGambleAware (begambleaware. org. au): teen materials and conversation tips.
eSafety Commissioner (esafety. gov. au): a guide to controlling digital games.
Kidga: An educational platform about money and risk (kidga. com. au).
7. Supporting environment
1. Openness to questions: make it clear that the child can come to you with any doubts.
2. Joint family rules: Set home "codes" without rates and microtransactions for everyone.
3. Regular check: Check subscriptions and purchases in games to respond in time to suspicious spending.
Conclusion
A clear, understandable and regular conversation with children about safe play helps to establish responsibility, reduce the risk of betting habits and prepare for adulthood with a conscious approach to gambling. Use age approaches, open questions and family rules - and your child will be armed with knowledge for safe digital leisure.
