STEAM
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Steam is an online gaming platform where users can buy, download, and play video games on their computer. The platform also includes social features such as friends lists, messaging, voice chat, and online multiplayer gaming. In addition to its large game store, Steam allows players to join communities, leave reviews, and interact with other gamers around the world. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. 🔞 Exposure to Mature Content Steam hosts thousands of games, and many include violent, sexual, or mature themes. Although games often display age ratings or content warnings, younger users may still access mature titles if they enter an incorrect birth date or access games through shared libraries. 🔐 Privacy and Profile Settings Steam profiles can display usernames, friends lists, achievements, and recent game activity. If profiles are set to public, this information may be visible to others online. Adjusting privacy settings can help limit who can view a user’s profile and activity. 💬 Online Chat and Community Spaces Steam includes text and voice chat, community forums, and group discussions within games and across the platform. While these features help players connect, conversations can sometimes include inappropriate language, toxic behaviour, or harassment, particularly in competitive games. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Some players may experience negative comments, trolling, or harassment through in-game chat, forums, or friend messages. Steam allows users to block, mute, and report other players if behaviour becomes inappropriate. 🚨 Contact from Strangers Users can send friend requests and start conversations with other players. If a child accepts requests from people they do not know, they may be exposed to unwanted messages or inappropriate interactions. 🧑💻 Third-Party Content and Mods Many Steam games allow mods (player-created modifications) through the Steam Workshop or external websites. While many mods are harmless or creative, some may include mature themes, offensive language, or unofficial downloads that could contain malware. 💸 In-Game Purchases and Spending Steam allows users to purchase games, downloadable content, and in-game items using the Steam Wallet or saved payment methods. Some games also include tradable items or cosmetics, which can make young players more vulnerable to scams or phishing attempts. 🛡️ Parental Controls (Steam Families) Steam provides parental controls through Steam Families (formerly Family View). This feature allows parents to restrict access to certain games, limit features such as the Steam Store or community content, and protect settings with a PIN. Parents can also choose which games are accessible in a child’s library. 📢 Age and Account Accuracy Steam accounts require users to be at least 13 years old, but as with many online services, age verification is limited, meaning younger users may still create accounts by entering incorrect details. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲 Understand the Platform – Familiarise yourself with how Steam works. The platform allows users to buy and download games, join online multiplayer matches, chat with friends, and interact in community forums. Understanding these features can help you guide your child’s gaming experience. 👨👧 Parental Awareness – Take an interest in the games your child plays and who they interact with online. Regularly review privacy settings, friends lists, and community interactions to ensure they are appropriate. 📢 Underage Accounts – Steam requires users to be 13 years or older, but age verification is limited. This means younger children may still create accounts by entering an incorrect birth date. 👥 Manage Friend Requests – Encourage your child to only accept friend requests from people they know and trust in real life. Strangers may try to add players after online matches or through shared gaming communities. 🎮 Use Parental Controls – Steam offers parental controls through Steam Families, which allow parents to restrict access to certain games, limit features such as the Steam Store or community areas, and protect settings with a PIN. 💸 Monitor Spending – Steam allows users to purchase games, downloadable content, and in-game items using the Steam Wallet or saved payment methods. Discuss spending limits and consider disabling or supervising purchases. 🧠 Trust Their Instincts – Remind your child that if messages, voice chat, or interactions with other players make them uncomfortable, they should leave the game or chat, block or report the user, and speak to a trusted adult. 🖥️ Healthy Gaming Habits – Encourage balanced screen time and consider keeping gaming devices in shared family spaces, which can make it easier to supervise gameplay and online interactions. 🚨 Recognise Warning Signs – Be aware of sudden changes in behaviour, such as distress after gaming, secrecy around online friends, or requests for money related to games or in-game items. 💬 Keep Communication Open – Maintain regular conversations about online gaming safety, including cyberbullying, scams, interacting with strangers, and how to report inappropriate behaviour within games or on the platform. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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