Gaming Consoles Are Internet Devices Too

Summary

This blog highlights that modern gaming consoles are no longer just "toys" but fully functional internet devices that require the same safety scrutiny as smartphones and social media. It addresses the "safety gap" in current regulatory debates and provides parents with practical, actionable steps to secure gaming environments—such as setting up child accounts, managing voice chat, and controlling in-game spending—to ensure a safe and positive experience for children

Safer Internet Day 2026: Gaming Consoles Are Internet Devices Too

Safer Internet Day 2026 takes place on 10 February across Europe, prompting families, educators, policymakers and industry to reflect on how children and young people experience the digital world. Traditionally, this conversation focuses on social media, video platforms and general web browsing. However, one category of device continues to receive far less attention: gaming consoles.

Modern consoles are no longer single-purpose machines. They are always-connected, internet-enabled platforms with social features, messaging, voice chat, digital marketplaces and extensive data collection. In practical terms, they function much like tablets or shared household computers. For children, this means they carry many of the same risks and deserve the same level of scrutiny.

Safe Gaming Checklist for Parents – Safer Internet Day 2026

Action	Why it Matters	How to Do It
Create a Dedicated Child Account	Automatically filters content based on age and allows for custom safety boundaries.	Set up a specific account for your child instead of sharing your adult profile.
Secure Your Console with a Passcode	Prevents unauthorized access to adult profiles and keeps parental settings locked.	Enable a system-level passcode and keep it private from your children.
Monitor Social Circles & Contacts	Ensures children are only interacting with people they know in real life.	Use the “Friends Only” setting and regularly review their friends list.
Establish a Playtime Schedule	Manages expectations and prevents screen-time conflicts with automated reminders.	Use built-in “Playtime Controls” to set daily limits and “bedtime” hours.
Regularly Review Online Activity	Helps you stay engaged and aware of what games are being played and for how long.	Review weekly activity reports via console apps like the PlayStation App.

 

Social Media Risks Are in the Spotlight

Recent international developments have intensified focus on children’s online safety. In Australia, the government has taken decisive steps to restrict children’s access to social media platforms, driven by evidence of harm linked to algorithmic content, inappropriate interactions and mental health impacts.

In Ireland, similar issues are now under active consideration. Analysis published by RTÉ in early February 2026 examined proposals to strengthen protections for children online, including potential limits on platform access and stronger regulatory oversight. These discussions reflect growing awareness that current safeguards are not keeping pace with how young people use digital services.

While these debates are necessary, they often overlook online gaming.

Gaming Consoles Are Internet Devices Too

A PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Switch is not just a box under the television. It is:

• Permanently connected to the internet
• Tied to a personal account with stored data
• Integrated with voice and text communication
• Capable of installing apps, streaming content and browsing

What the Evidence Says About Online Gaming Safety

Research consistently shows that online gaming presents real challenges for children and families.

Data highlighted by Cyber Safe Kids shows that more than one in three children (35–38 per cent) play games online with people they do not know. Around 20–25 per cent report being upset by something that happened while gaming, with platforms such as Roblox and YouTube frequently cited.

Key risks include:

• Predatory contact and grooming
• Cyberbullying through voice and text chat
• Exposure to inappropriate language or behaviour
• Excessive screen time that is difficult to interrupt

At the same time, parents recognise gaming’s positive aspects. Ninety-six per cent of parents acknowledge benefits, including creativity, collaboration and enjoyment. Their concerns, however, remain consistent: addiction, contact with strangers and unsuitable content.

6 parent-friendly FAQs for PS5

1. Can I completely turn off voice chat on a PS5?

Yes. You can block voice chat entirely by setting Communication and User-Generated Content to Blocked in the Family Management settings. When this is disabled, your child cannot hear other players and they cannot hear your child, across almost all games.

2. Can I allow voice chat with friends but block strangers?

Yes. PS5 parental controls allow you to set communication to Friends Only. This means your child can only use voice or text chat with people on their approved friends list, and not with unknown players in public games.

3. Do parental controls apply to all games on the PS5?

Mostly yes. Parental controls are applied system-wide, so they affect the majority of games automatically. However, some games have additional in-game settings, which should be reviewed alongside console controls for the best protection.

4. Can my child change or bypass PS5 parental controls?

No, not without the Family Manager PIN. Children cannot modify communication settings, spending limits, or age restrictions unless the parent or guardian authorises the change.

5. Do PS5 parental controls stop in-game spending?

Yes. You can:

• Block purchases completely
• Set a monthly spending limit
• Require password approval for every purchase

This prevents unexpected charges and reduces exposure to in-game pressure to buy virtual items.

6. Can I block or restrict the web browser on a PS5?

Yes. You can restrict web browsing by blocking Communication and User-Generated Content and applying age-based content restrictions in Family Management. While the PS5 does not have a traditional standalone browser app, these settings prevent access to web links, embedded browsing features, and external content opened through games or messages.

Age Ratings Help, But They Are Not Enough

The PEGI (Pan European Gaming Information) system remains a valuable tool for assessing game content. It provides age ratings and descriptors based on violence, language and other factors.

In 2021, only 12 per cent of games were rated PEGI 18, while 37 per cent were rated PEGI 3 or PEGI 7, showing that many games are designed to be appropriate for younger players.

However, PEGI ratings assess the content of the game, not the online environment surrounding it. A PEGI 7 game may still include open chat, multiplayer interaction and exposure to user-generated content. Parents who rely solely on age ratings may miss these additional risks.

Parental Controls on Gaming Consoles

All major gaming platforms offer parental control tools, but they must be actively enabled and maintained.

These controls allow parents and carers to:

• Restrict or disable communication with strangers
• Manage voice and text chat settings
• Control spending and in-game purchases
• Apply age-based content restrictions
• Set screen time limits and schedules

Guidance from organisations such as Internet Matters shows that PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo systems all provide meaningful control options. The challenge is awareness. Many families are unaware these tools exist, or assume they are switched on by default.

Children and Data Privacy in Gaming

Beyond immediate safety concerns, data privacy deserves far more attention in gaming environments.

Gaming platforms collect significant amounts of personal data, including:

• Account and identity information
• Voice recordings from in-game chat
• Behavioural and usage data
• Device and location details

Research comparing major consoles highlights differences in privacy transparency and data-sharing practices. While platforms state compliance with child protection laws, parents rarely review privacy policies or understand how their child’s data may be used.

Children are particularly vulnerable to profiling. Gaming behaviour can reveal preferences, habits and spending tendencies, which may be used for targeted advertising or shared with third parties unless settings are carefully managed.

Why Gaming Must Be Part of Online Safety Conversations

The current focus on social media regulation is justified, but incomplete. For many children, gaming is their primary online social space.

A child restricted from social media but given unrestricted access to a connected console may still face:

• Interaction with strangers
• Exposure to harmful communication
• Commercial pressure
• Extensive data collection

From a child safety perspective, the platform matters less than the connectivity.

Safer Internet Day Starts With Practical Action

Safer Internet Day is not just about awareness. It is about action at home.

For parents and carers, that means recognising gaming consoles as full internet devices and treating them accordingly. Implementing parental controls, reviewing privacy settings and engaging in regular conversations about online behaviour are essential steps.

Gaming can be positive, social and enriching. But only when appropriate safeguards are in place.

On Safer Internet Day 2026, gaming deserves the same attention as every other part of a child’s digital life.