🎯 What you will learn
- By the end of this lesson you'll know how to use in-game chat safely.
- You'll recognise scams involving Robux, V-Bucks, skins and free in-game currency.
- You'll understand how in-game purchases and “loot boxes” work.
- You'll know what PEGI ratings tell you.
- You'll learn how to set healthy time limits.
In-game chat and strangers
Lots of games (Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, Brawl Stars, EA FC and others) let you talk to players from all over the world, by text or by voice. Most of them are just players like you, but some may be scammers or adults with bad intentions.
- Use a gamer name that doesn't include your full name, age, town or school.
- Don't share personal details: your address, phone number, photos or social media accounts.
- In the settings, limit chat to friends only, or turn it off for younger children.
- Be careful if someone pays you lots of compliments, offers you gifts or wants to chat in a different app (Discord, Snapchat, WhatsApp).
- Don't hesitate to use the Mute, Block and Report buttons.
“Free currency” scams
The most common scam in games is the promise of free Robux, V-Bucks, gems, coins or skins. For example:
- “Generator” websites that ask for your username and password so they can “add currency”.
- Videos on YouTube/TikTok promising a “glitch” for free skins, with a link in the description.
- Players who say: “Give me your skin and I'll give you back double” or “Give me your password and I'll fix your account”.
- “Cheat” apps or scripts that actually steal your account or install harmful programs.
The simple truth: currency generators don't exist. In-game currency can only be earned inside the game or bought from the official shop. Anyone who tells you otherwise is after your account or your money.
In-game purchases and loot boxes
Lots of “free” games make their money from in-game purchases: outfits, weapons, cards, battle passes. Some use tricks to get you to spend:
- Virtual currency (gems, coins) that hides how much real money you're spending.
- Limited-time offers: “Today only!”, with a countdown timer ticking away.
- Loot boxes / surprise packs: you pay without knowing what you'll get – it works like gambling.
- Always ask a parent before you buy anything.
- Parents can set up a password or approval for every purchase (Google Play: “Require authentication for purchases”; Apple: “Ask to Buy” in Family Sharing; consoles have spending limits).
- Agree on a monthly budget together – for example using gift cards – instead of linking a bank card.
Selling and swapping accounts
Sometimes someone offers to buy your account or swap it for rare skins, or to sell you a “high-level” account. This is risky:
- Most games ban selling accounts in their rules – the account could get blocked.
- The seller can take the account back after you've paid, using the original email address.
- The buyer might never pay once you've given them the password.
- Swaps “outside the game” (on Discord or Instagram) have no protection at all.
PEGI ratings: is this game right for my age?
In Europe, games carry PEGI ratings that show the minimum recommended age and the kind of content they contain:
| Rating | What it means |
|---|---|
| PEGI 3 | Suitable for all ages. |
| PEGI 7 | May include some slightly scary scenes or very mild violence. |
| PEGI 12 | More obvious fantasy violence, mild bad language. |
| PEGI 16 | Realistic violence, strong language, use of tobacco/alcohol. |
| PEGI 18 | Adults only: extreme violence, content unsuitable for children. |
There are also content icons such as Violence, Fear, Bad Language, In-game Purchases or Gambling. Be aware: PEGI doesn't rate chat with other players, which could contain anything.
Gaming time and balance
Games are designed to make you want “just one more round”. That isn't bad in itself, but spending too much time on them can affect your sleep, schoolwork, exercise and friendships.
- Set clear gaming times, for example after homework, and use an alarm.
- Don't play just before bed – the light from the screen and the excitement make it harder to fall asleep.
- Take a break every 30–45 minutes: get up, have a drink of water, look into the distance.
- Watch out for the warning signs: getting really angry when you have to stop, lying about how long you've been playing, letting schoolwork or friends slide.
- Play together with your family too – it's fun and it builds trust.
📖 A real-life story
Eron, 10, from Gjilan, saw a video on TikTok: “Free Robux! Type your username and password here.” The website looked very much like Roblox. Eron typed in his details and waited, but no Robux arrived. That evening, he couldn't log in to his account any more and all his items had disappeared.
Eron was afraid he'd be told off, but he told his mum. She thanked him for telling her. Together they contacted Roblox's official support through its help website, changed his email password and turned on two-step verification. Eron learnt the rule: “If something is free and asks for my password, it's a scam.”
✅ Do / Don't
✅ Do this
- Use a gamer name that doesn't give away your name, age or town.
- Limit chat to friends you actually know.
- Use Mute, Block and Report when someone behaves badly.
- Ask a parent before you buy anything in a game.
- Check the PEGI rating before you download a game.
- Turn on 2FA for your game account and your email.
- Set gaming times and take breaks.
- Tell an adult if someone asks you for photos, secrets or to meet up.
❌ Don't do this
- Don't fall for generators offering free Robux, V-Bucks or skins.
- Don't give your password to anyone – not “staff”, not friends.
- Don't sell, buy or swap accounts.
- Don't download cheats, hacks or mods from unknown websites.
- Don't move to private apps with players you don't know.
- Don't use your parents' card without permission.
- Don't play until late at night.
👨👩👧 For parents and teachers
Games are an important part of children's social lives. Showing an interest in them makes it much easier to talk about the risks.
- Play your child's favourite game at least once – you'll get a feel for the chat, the purchases and the atmosphere.
- Use parental controls: Xbox Family Settings, PlayStation Family, Nintendo Parental Controls, Roblox Parental Controls, Epic Games Parental Controls, Google Family Link, Apple Screen Time.
- Turn off or limit voice chat for younger children and set up approval for purchases.
- Don't link a bank card directly; use gift cards with a fixed amount.
- Check PEGI ratings and look out for the “In-game Purchases” icon.
- Agree together on rules about when and where to play (e.g. no console in the bedroom).
🧠 Mini-quiz
Answer 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson is marked as completed in your passport.