Leveling Up Together: Girls Make Games’ Commitment to Safer Play Online

When I was growing up playing on my Atari in the 80s, my parents never really worried about what my brother and I were up to. We were in our living room, right in front of my parents, and they got to dictate how long we were allowed to engage in this little “hobby.” 

Fast forward to 2026 and the rules of the game have changed vastly. Gaming, especially online, has become so much more than just a pastime for kids. It’s a much needed space for creativity, self expression, and connection. For children around the world, gaming can be a powerful place to explore leadership and problem-solving, and to build confidence in their voice.

At Girls Make Games, we have a long history of creating educational initiatives that empower girls through gameplay and development. From hands-on learning experiences like our summer camps and workshops, to mentorship and scholarship programs that support young women in their game development journey, our work has always focused on opening doors in gaming — all while strengthening the impact of the interactive entertainment  industry.

As online play becomes an even bigger part of kids’ lives, it’s increasingly clear that empowerment must include online safety.

Why Online Safety Matters 

While online gaming spaces can be exciting and full of opportunities for creativity and connection, they also present serious challenges, including exposure to harassment, unsafe interactions, and pressure to overshare personal information. Girls are often disproportionately impacted by these challenges, particularly in multiplayer and voice-based environments.

Centering girls’ experiences allows us to address these issues directly and thoughtfully. The skills needed to navigate online gaming safely —communication, boundary-setting, digital awareness, and empathy —benefit every child, regardless of gender.

Introducing the Safer Play Online Initiative

Girls Make Games’ Safer Play Online Initiative builds on our expertise in games education and youth empowerment. This initiative will focus on equipping kids, families, households, and communities with the knowledge and confidence to navigate online spaces responsibly and respectfully. Being online today means more than just playing games; it includes social media, chats, livestreams, AI/chatbots, and digital communities.

While the initiative is built on girls’ voices and experiences, it is intentionally designed to support all kids. Our goal is to emphasize understanding over restriction and empowerment over fear, helping young players learn how to participate in online communities in healthy, positive ways.

Designed for Kids, Families, and Communities

Many families describe feeling caught between letting kids explore the internet freely and restricting access altogether. Our initiative is rooted in the belief that education and open communication offer a better way forward by replacing fear with understanding and trust. Safety education will include media and content that helps kids build the judgment, awareness, and confidence needed to navigate online environments safely and responsibly.

Our safety content will be:

• Age-appropriate, engaging, and culturally inclusive
• Designed for gaming-savvy kids and teens, but also beneficial for parents and guardians
• Useful in homes, schools, community programs, and online platforms

Through workshops, engaging media, and at-home activities, we will equip both kids and parents & caregivers with the skills for things such as:

• Understanding gaming and online environments, including chat features, social tools, and AI tools like chatbots
• Recognizing red flags such as harassment, manipulation, or pressure to share personal information
• Knowing how to respond when something feels uncomfortable
• Developing strategies to handle conflict and negativity without losing confidence or enjoyment
• Protecting privacy and understanding digital footprints
• Building healthy, balanced relationships with gaming
• Navigating the tools available for parents to manage gaming 

These skills support not only safer gameplay but also stronger digital literacy that extends beyond games. 

Looking Ahead

At the heart of this program is our belief that all kids deserve to feel safe, powerful, and respected in every space they enter, including virtual ones. Through the Safer Play Online initiative, we’re welcoming everyone, from parents to young players, to join us in building a brighter digital future.Watch this space and join the Girls Make Games newsletter for the latest updates and launch details!