iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If your child has just seen something upsetting in a video game, stay calm, thank them for telling you, and stop the content. Don’t punish them for what a game showed or another player did. Help them feel safe first; once they are settled, decide whether the problem came from the game itself, user-created content, another player, or a conversation that moved off-platform. Then adjust the relevant settings and check in again later.
What should I do in the first 30 minutes?
Focus on your child before you focus on the console. A calm, curious response makes it more likely they will tell you if something else happens. Patricia E. Vance, president of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), wrote in February 2026 that children need to know “they will never get in trouble for something someone else does.”
Stop the exposure and acknowledge the feeling
Turn off the game, clip, or chat and stay nearby. For a young child, simple reassurance is usually more helpful than a detailed explanation: “That looked scary. You’re safe now.” Don’t replay the scene in front of them to judge how bad it was, and don’t begin with blame or an interrogation.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteScreenwise, a parent guide updated in October 2026, suggests saying, “Whoa, that looked really weird/scary. I’m glad you showed me. How are you feeling?” Another option is, “That sounds really upsetting. I’m glad you told me.” Ask what they need right now rather than requiring them to explain every detail. If they can’t find the words, you might gently ask whether the unsettled feeling is in their tummy or chest. That is a conversational prompt, not a clinical treatment.
Popular on Amazon
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
If another player was involved, make safety steps together
Tell your child the conduct was not their fault, then use the game’s or console’s mute, block, and report features. If the behavior may need reporting, preserve relevant evidence such as a username, message, screenshot, or clip without circulating it. The eSafety Commissioner’s parent guidance recommends checking the platform rules, taking a protective action, collecting evidence when appropriate, reporting harmful content to the platform, and stopping further contact.
Keep the response collaborative: “Let’s work out how to stop them contacting you.” The eSafety Commissioner says a parent’s reaction can affect whether a child seeks help in the future and advises parents to stay calm and avoid judgment. Don’t take away the child’s game as punishment for someone else’s behavior; that can make them less willing to tell you next time.
Prevent the next recommendation
If the scare came through a recommended experience, search result, or gameplay clip, remove it from the relevant watch or play history where possible, report it on the platform, and avoid leaving it queued to play again. On a game platform, check what experiences are being recommended and choose a calmer activity together. Recommendations can vary by service, so look for history, hide, or report controls in the service the child was using.
Don’t force a confession
If the incident happened at a friend’s house or on someone else’s phone, start with the child’s safety, not a demand to name or blame the friend. Later, ask the other parent what games and chat settings are in use. A clear conversation between adults can set expectations without turning a disclosure into a punishment.
What kind of disturbing content did my child encounter?
The right response depends on the source. A frightening scene built into a game is different from an unmoderated user-created room, an insulting voice-chat player, or a stranger trying to move a conversation into a private messaging app.
| Incident type | What it can look like | What to address |
|---|---|---|
| Designed game content | Horror sequences, jump scares, gore, sexual content, or intense violence built into the game | Pause or replace the title, consider the child’s age and reaction, and check the rating descriptors. |
| User-created content | A Roblox experience, Minecraft server, Fortnite island, or other player-made area that differs from the core game | Leave and report the experience; review platform-specific content, chat, and account settings. |
| Another player | Threatening or sexual messages, abusive voice chat, usernames, emotes, or unwanted contact | Mute, block, report, preserve evidence if needed, and restrict contact while you assess the situation. |
| Off-platform contact | A player asks the child to continue the conversation through a private messenger or social app | Stop the conversation and block and report the person. Keep the child’s identifying information private. |
| Sexual requests or illegal content | A request for nude images, sexual information, or exposure to illegal sexual material | Treat this as a serious safety issue, not an ordinary scary-game incident. Stop contact, preserve evidence, and report through the platform and the appropriate national child-exploitation route. |
A game’s rating cannot predict what every player will say. ESRB notices such as “Users Interact” flag online interaction, but they are not an age rating for other players’ behavior. User-generated areas can also differ sharply from the main game’s marketed content. For a sexual request, blackmail, or illegal material, do not investigate by engaging with the person yourself; report through the service and the appropriate authority in your country. Australian reporting routes and support services are specific to Australia.
Should I take the game away or let my child keep playing?
There is no single right answer for every scare. Consider whether the child is frightened by the game’s designed content, distressed by another player, or mainly upset by an unexpected encounter—and whether they can settle after the game is off.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Pause or replace the title when the content itself is too intense
If a child remains frightened by a jump-scare game or can’t comfortably return to ordinary activities, pause that title. A game with intense horror may simply be a poor fit for that child right now. Offer a calmer alternative or another shared activity rather than making the only available choice “play the same game” or “lose gaming altogether.” For younger children, an amusing book, a slower-paced story, or an analog game can help shift attention without adding another loud or intense screen experience.
Keep the game, but change the conditions, when the risk is social
If the child likes a game but the incident came from unwanted contact, you may be able to keep the game while turning off chat, limiting communication to a reviewed friends list, or using an invite-only session. A T-rated game with communication restricted may present a different situation from a game with unrestricted voice chat; the rating alone does not settle the decision.
Make a family rule that fits your home
Parents can set standards that differ from another household’s. Jeffrey Hutchinson, MD, FAAP, wrote on HealthyChildren.org in October 2026: “It’s your right to have a personal rating system in your own home, even if other people choose different standards.” If a friend group plays a title you don’t allow, talk with the other parents about a private server, a supervised session, or another shared game. Explain your decision to your child and allow them to be disappointed without treating that feeling as misbehavior.
How do I check whether a game is age-appropriate?
Use the rating and its content descriptors as a starting point, not a guarantee that every scene or online interaction will suit your child. Ratings differ by region, and a game’s online features or user-created areas can add risks that the box label does not describe.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
United States and Canada: read ESRB descriptors
ESRB ratings are used in the United States and Canada. The age categories are E (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10+), T (Teen, ages 13+), M (Mature, ages 17+), and AO (Adults Only, ages 18+); RP means the rating is pending. The content descriptors explain why a game received its rating. After a scare, look for terms such as Violence, Fantasy Violence, Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Sexual Violence, Language, or Mature Humor.
ESRB ratings appear on physical packaging and are commonly shown for digital games, VR products, and apps. For multiplayer games, also look for the “Users Interact” notice and assess whether chat is necessary for play. In the United States and Canada, these ratings are industry guidance, not a universal federal ban on sales to minors.
United Kingdom and much of Europe: check PEGI and its Fear or Horror descriptor
PEGI categories run from PEGI 3 through PEGI 18, with age labels reflecting content such as violence, language, or sexual material. For this topic, the Fear and Horror descriptors are especially useful: PEGI says “Fear” can appear on PEGI 7 games for pictures or sounds that may frighten young children, while “Horror” can appear on higher-rated games for moderate or sustained horror sequences and disturbing images. Frightening content does not have to be violent.
Also popular on Amazon
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
PEGI labels are not a direct conversion of ESRB labels; check the specific game in the system used in your region. PEGI also announced interactive-risk changes for games submitted since June 2026: paid random items receive PEGI 16, or PEGI 18 for social casino games; time-limited offers receive PEGI 12, or PEGI 7 when spending is off by default; cryptocurrency or NFT-required play receives PEGI 18; and pressure to play through daily quests or streaks receives PEGI 7, or PEGI 12 when players lose rewards or status for not returning. Unrestricted communication that cannot be blocked or muted and has no moderation receives PEGI 18 under those changes.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Use a second opinion and consider the child, not just the label
Internet Matters recommends considering the reasons for a rating alongside a child’s maturity, and suggests trying a game or checking a parent-focused review such as the Family Gaming Database. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and eSafety Commissioner also point parents toward parent-oriented game reviews. A rating is a useful screening tool, but it cannot substitute for knowing how your child reacts to a particular kind of content.
Which parental controls should I change after a scare?
Start with a correctly aged child account for each child, then set the controls that match the problem: content, communication, time, or spending. Apply them on every device and storefront the child uses; a console setting does not automatically cover a PC, phone, or account on another service.
- Create or check the child account. Use the child’s real birthdate and a parent-controlled PIN or password. Separate child accounts help keep younger children from opening an older sibling’s or parent’s games and can enable age-appropriate defaults. Some games, including Fortnite, use Cabined Accounts that restrict features such as voice chat and real-money purchases until a parent consents.
- Set a content limit. Use the console, computer, or mobile device’s family controls to block games above the age rating you allow. On PlayStation 5, for example, a 12-year-old’s account blocks T, M, and AO games unless a parent allows an exception.
- Choose who can communicate. Turn chat off, allow friends only, or limit contact to people your child knows in real life. Review friend requests and use a private or invitation-only session where available.
- Set spending and download rules. Block purchases or use a controlled allowance, and require approval for new downloads if a child could otherwise install another horror title without your knowledge.
- Set time and place boundaries. Devices may offer daily play caps or weekly schedules. A shared family space, a written stopping point, and no overnight device access can make limits easier to understand and follow.
- Repeat the check inside each service. Review the child’s settings in the console account, PC storefronts such as Steam or Epic Games, and games or platforms such as Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft. Settings and menus change, so use each service’s current family or privacy controls.
Talk about the controls rather than relying on secret monitoring. Explain what you are changing and why, teach the child how to mute, block, and report, and revisit restrictions as they demonstrate readiness. The eSafety Commissioner cautions that no parental control tool is 100% effective.
How do I prevent a game chat from moving somewhere private?
Teach children that a request to continue a game conversation on a private messaging or social app is a warning sign. Vance of ESRB wrote that if a stranger asks a child to communicate privately or off the platform, it should be “a red flag to block and report this individual.”
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteExplain why: the game’s or platform’s moderation and reporting tools may not follow the conversation elsewhere, and personal information can make it easier to identify a child. Remind them not to share their real name, school, location, birthdate, or details that could identify them, and avoid usernames that reveal those details. Accurate birthdates also matter because entering a false age can bypass protections designed for children. Make clear that they can come to you even if they already replied or shared something they regret.
How should I respond differently based on my child’s age or needs?
Age is only one factor, but children differ in how well they separate fantasy from reality and what kind of support helps them recover. Tailor the conversation and replacement activity to the child rather than assuming every child will react the same way.
Also popular on Amazon
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Widely Compatible: Transform any USB-C port into a USB-A port and USB-A port into a USB-C port, and connect up a wide range of USB-C(including MacBook, iPad Pro/Air/Mini, iPhone models with USB C ports, Samsung Galaxy series, and Google Pixel series. ) and USB A devices(including external hard drives, phones, mice, printers, and more)
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Under 6
David L. Hill, MD, FAAP, advises trying to exclude violent content from the media diet of children under 6 because they may not distinguish fantasy from reality. Young children should ask permission before playing or watching games on any device. Keep reassurance concrete and brief after an upsetting image.
Ages 4–7
An accidental search or recommendation can land a young child on a frightening parody or clip. After stopping it, redirect to something calming and familiar. A funny book such as The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak or another slower-paced activity can provide a gentle change of focus.
Recommended Free Tools
Ages 8–12
Tweens may seek scary media to seem brave while still feeling disturbed. Talk about thumbnails and titles designed to attract clicks, and ask whether the child actually enjoyed the experience. A less intense thrill, such as a Goosebumps or Wings of Fire book, can preserve the appeal of suspense without another jump scare.
Ages 13 and older
For teenagers, discuss not only fear but how violence or toxic behavior is presented. Ask what the game or video seems to reward and how the child feels afterward. Hill suggests responding to a violent scene by acknowledging a character’s anger while saying, “I hate to see people get violent instead of finding other ways to settle their differences.”
Neurodivergent children and children with disabilities
Some children with disabilities face increased risk of online gaming harms, but gaming can also provide social connection, skill development, and emotional regulation. eSafety research from 2023–2025 found that 63% reported social connection, 79% skill development, and 54% emotional regulation as benefits. Consider rehearsing a short script such as “This doesn’t feel right” or “I’m telling a trusted adult,” using social stories, picture cards, or a communication device if helpful. Written stopping points and visual timers can make expectations more predictable; avoid removing a meaningful social outlet without considering a safer replacement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When should I contact a pediatrician or seek more help?
Contact your child’s pediatrician if their mood or behavior stays changed, gaming habits are causing difficulty, or you are worried about how the experience is affecting them. A pediatrician can discuss media exposure and refer the child to a qualified mental health professional when appropriate.
Pay attention to persistent changes such as increased clinginess or irritability, avoiding activities the child previously enjoyed, or ongoing problems with sleep. A child with a history of anxiety or trauma may need more support processing a frightening experience. For a child who is not speaking, appears disconnected from their surroundings, or seems to be reliving the event, seek appropriate professional advice rather than treating a calming activity as sufficient care.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Hill’s AAP guidance emphasizes that “No single violent movie or video game will make your child violent,” and says the amount and intensity of virtual violence absorbed over time matter. The AAP summarizes research linking exposure to aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior, but does not give a single percentage on its parent guidance page. That is a reason for thoughtful limits and conversation, not a reason to blame yourself for one exposure or assume a single game determines a child’s behavior.
What should we change over the next week?
Once the immediate upset has passed, make a small, specific plan together. A family media agreement can set expectations about where games are played, when devices are put away, which games are allowed, and what to do if something feels wrong.
- Review games already installed using their age ratings and content descriptors, not only the cover art or marketing.
- Watch a short sample of gameplay or play together to understand the content and communication features.
- For now, use chat-off or a reviewed friends list if unwanted contact was part of the incident.
- Agree on purchase and download approval so new games do not appear without a conversation.
- Set consistent household routines for gaming, including shared spaces for younger children and a stopping time before bed.
- Keep casual, judgment-free conversations going: ask what the child is playing, what they like about it, and who they play with.
- If the child plays at a friend’s home, discuss expectations with the other parent rather than relying on the child to negotiate different rules alone.
The aim is not to eliminate every unsettling moment or every game. It is to help your child tell you what happened, restore a sense of safety, and give them practical ways to avoid or report the next problem.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Frequently Asked Questions
Should I save a screenshot if the content is upsetting?
If a report may be needed, preserve only the evidence relevant to the incident, such as the account name, message, or a screenshot, and keep it private. Do not forward sexual images of a minor; report the material through the platform and the appropriate child-safety authority in your country.
What if my child says the disturbing scene was only a joke?
You can accept that they meant it as a joke while still asking whether it bothered them or someone else. Avoid arguing over whether they are “really” scared; focus on what they want to do next and whether the content or interaction should be blocked or reported.
What should I say to the other parent after it happened at their house?
Keep the conversation factual and non-accusatory: explain what your child described, ask what game and settings were involved, and agree on a plan for future visits. You can set a boundary for your own child without demanding that the other family adopt every one of your rules.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
