Responsible Use of Online Platforms
Encouraging balanced and informed interaction with online entertainment through guidance and accessible support.
Principles of Safe Participation
Balanced platform use starts with setting clear personal limits and keeping activities in perspective. Define reasonable time frames for each session and follow spending limits that fit within your available discretionary budget.
Online entertainment should be treated as a leisure activity rather than a source of income or emotional relief. Periodic self-checks can help maintain healthy habits and highlight when additional guidance might be helpful.
Mindful Participation
Being aware of your emotional state is important when using online platforms. Avoid participation during periods of stress, fatigue, or emotional strain, as these factors can affect judgement.
Taking breaks during longer sessions supports clearer decision-making. Observing changes in behaviour or routines can also help identify when it may be time to pause or seek advice.
Financial Awareness
Set clear financial boundaries before engaging with any platform. Only use funds allocated for leisure activities and keep them separate from essential expenses such as housing, utilities, or food.
Avoid using borrowed money or credit facilities. Any amount set aside for entertainment should be viewed as a planned expense, similar to tickets or subscriptions, rather than a potential return.
Behavioural Indicators
Common signs that may suggest developing difficulties with platform use.
Time Balance
Spending increasing amounts of time on platforms while neglecting work, relationships, or daily responsibilities, or struggling to end sessions as planned.
Spending Patterns
Exceeding set spending limits, relying on borrowed funds, or postponing essential payments due to platform activity.
Social Impact
Reducing social interactions, concealing platform use from others, or experiencing tension in personal relationships linked to participation habits.
Support and Control Options
Tools and services designed to help users manage participation responsibly and access assistance when required.
Session Time Limits
Many platforms include tools that allow users to cap session length, with reminders or automatic pauses when limits are reached.
Learn MoreDeposit Limits
Users can often set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit caps, with cooling-off periods applied before increases take effect.
Learn MoreSelf-Exclusion Services
Self-exclusion options allow users to restrict access to platforms for defined periods, supporting planned breaks.
GamStop UKProfessional Support
Confidential support organisations offer guidance, counselling, and practical advice for individuals seeking help.
GamCare Support