This RSE & PSHE video introduces teachers to online gaming risks and explains how some games are designed to encourage spending. It explores how features such as random rewards, limited-time offers, mystery boxes and virtual currencies can influence children’s choices by making spending feel exciting or urgent. The video also explains how some game features resemble gambling because they involve chance-based rewards and clarifies that children at this age only need to understand that gambling sites have age restrictions.

The video explains how the lesson helps children recognise how online games can encourage spending, identify persuasive techniques and develop strategies for making safe choices, such as pausing before spending money and speaking to a trusted adult if they are unsure or worried.

This video also highlights the importance of keeping discussions about online gaming balanced by recognising the benefits, such as creativity, teamwork and communication, alongside the risks. It reminds teachers that children may share personal experiences related to gaming, spending or gambling, and that any disclosures should be managed in line with the school’s safeguarding policy. The video encourages children to speak openly to trusted adults about their online experiences, including spending, checking age ratings, setting limits and turning off in-app purchases.

See more of our Year 6 RSE & PSHE scheme of work.

• RSE & PSHE, Year 6, Online world: How do I feel about the things I see online? Lesson 2: How can I make safe choices if I am online gaming?
• RSE & PSHE, Year 6, Online world: How do I feel about the things I see online?