PARENTS’ GUIDE TO PLAYING GAMES ON THE INTERNET
What is PEGI Online?
Over the last few years, the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system has provided parents in
Europe with detailed recommendations regarding the suitability of game content for young people.
The PEGI system offers reliable information that is easy to understand in the form of age-rating labels
and content descriptions on game packaging enabling informed buying decisions.
PEGI Online is an addition to the PEGI system. Its purpose is to give young people in Europe better
protection against unsuitable gaming content and to help parents understand the risks and potential
for harm within this environment.
PEGI Online is based on four cornerstones:
The PEGI Online Safety Code.
The PEGI Online Logo which will be displayed on websites complying with the Code.
A dedicated PEGI Online website for the general public
An independent administration, advice and dispute settlement process.
The licence to display the PEGI Online Logo is granted by the PEGI Online Administrator to any online
game play service provider that meets the requirements set out in the PEGI Online Safety Code.
These requirements include the obligation to keep the website free from illegal and offensive content
created by users and any undesirable links as well as measures for the protection of young people and
their privacy when engaging in online game play.
The PEGI Online Logo will appear on the packaging of the game if sold on a CD/DVD or on the game
website itself. The Logo will show whether the game can be played online and also whether the
particular game or site is under the control of an operator that cares about protecting young people.
Protecting young people
Many video games bought on a CD/DVD can be played against other players using a PC or games
console with an Internet connection. In addition, there are plenty of websites that offer the chance to
play online games over the internet, either alone or against others. These range from simple arcade
games to massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) which can involve a huge
number of players participating in a single online game at the same time.
Playing games online can expose players to the risks associated with real-time interaction with
unknown fellow players.
Such risks include:
User generated content created as a result of the game play which could be unsuitable for young
people and a mismatch with the rating given for the game.
Some players engaging in behaviour that might not be suitable for young people. For example,
inappropriate or offensive language; bullying in games that allow text, voice or video communication
and unsporting conduct like cheating or aggressiveness towards others.
Breaches of privacy. Online game play sometimes encourages children to build relationships, share
personal details or even meet unknown fellow players outside the game.
SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS
Warn your children not to give out personal details to other players.
Monitor your children’s activities on game play websites.
Encourage and remind your children to report issues such as bullying, threatening or bad language,
the display of unpleasant content or invitations to meet outside the game.
Report inappropriate behaviour, using the feedback page on the PEGI Online website or specific
complaint mechanisms on consoles or the games’ websites.
Cease communication or change your child’s online ID if anything within the game or the way it
evolves makes you feel uncomfortable.
SAFETY TIPS FOR CHIDREN
Bad behaviour, bad language, or cheating is NOT okay! You can block the players’ access, report this
to the game provider, or tell your parents.
Tell your parents right away if you come across any information that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Do not give out personal information such as your home address, telephone number or picture.
Never agree to get together with someone you meet online without checking with your parents first.
The PEGI Online website
www.pegionline.eu