With children having growing access to online content, supporting their navigation through a variety of information, images and themes is crucially important to help them make sense of what they experience. 

Useful Resources and Information
Parent Info – Article on Harmful Online Content

NSPCC – Help with distressing online content

This video on YouTube gives more information on 'Poppy Playtime' (see below).

How can you help?
If you become aware of young children playing games or viewing possibly harmful content, then:

• Reassure them that they are safe;
• Talk to them about what they have seen online and how this has made them feel;
• Encourage an open and non-judgemental discussion about what they are seeing online to give reassurance that they can talk to you if they have seen something of concern;
• Monitor what your child can access at home.

A currently popular game for children is 'Poppy Playtime'. Poppy Playtime is a horror/puzzle game which involves the player investigating an abandoned toy factory to solve the mystery of what happened. The game does not appear to have any age restrictions however the developers have recommended for players age 8+.

It is available on PC via Steam and at a cost of £3.99, however, there is free related content available on other platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, as well as, copycat versions available through Roblox and Minecraft. 

The game is designed to appeal to young children, however, some of the imagery may be frightening to them and the style of gameplay could increase feelings of anxiety or stress. The game isn’t gory, but uses child friendly toys in frightening ways which could make young children scared of things they have previously felt comfortable with.