Child safety group Not on Our Watch Texas (NOWTX) has released a free interactive game that teaches children and teens (and adults) the red flags and safety practices of online predators. You can play the free game, NOW PlaySafe, quickly on any online browser.
NOW PlaySafe simulates an online chatroom with friends — and some strangers. It’s not really a game, but does allow the user to select different responses while highlighting problematic behavior as it occurs. Examples include when a stranger shows focused interest, tries to send gifts, and asks personal questions.
At the end, users identify which 10 tactics they learned to identify red flag situations, as well as how to handle them.
I got a 10/10, and am now a 100% Certified Safety Detective! It’s a little cheesy, but the messaging is clear, and critically important.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one in five children have been approached online by a predator — and that’s just of those who have reported it. Over 500,000 reports of online enticement were filed in 2025 alone.
“Knowledge is power. NOW PlaySafe helps children build the instincts they need to recognize danger before it becomes harm,” said LisaBeth “LB” Thomas, Co-Founder of NOW. “We’re not scaring children; we’re preparing them. If we can teach them what predators look and sound like online before they’re ever approached, we’ve changed the outcome.”
NOWTX is a nonprofit organization dedicated to child safety in online spaces. It was co-founded by Thomas and Andrea Sparks as an initiative of Texas Women in Business. NOW PlaySafe was created by Advisory Board member Cherie Mathews.
