How can I help my child report a game exploit that gives free perks? 

Parenting Perspective 

Discovering a video game exploit that hands out free perks can be very exciting for a child. However, that excitement can quickly turn into a temptation to keep or share the unfair advantage. Your role is to channel that energy towards integrity and good digital citizenship, showing them how to report the issue responsibly to protect themselves and the wider gaming community. 

Acknowledge the Feelings and Set the Standard 

Begin the conversation calmly. You could say, ‘I can see why that is tempting; getting free things always feels good. But using an exploit can get your account banned and ruins the game for other players.’ By normalising their initial excitement, you can keep the conversation constructive. Make the family rule clear: we report exploits, we do not use or share them. 

How to Report an Exploit Safely 

Guide your child through a clear, step-by-step process. 

• Do Not Use It: The first and most important step is not to use the exploit or tell friends about it. Using it is a breach of the game’s rules and could lead to consequences. 

• Gather Neutral Evidence: Help them to take a short screen recording or a few screenshots that show the exploit. It is important to describe exactly what happened and how the perk was gained. 

• Find the Right Channel: Most games have an in-game reporting tool, a support email, or a bug-reporting form on their official website. 

• Use a Calm Report Script: Teach them to keep their message factual and concise. For example: ‘Hello. I believe I have found an exploit that allows players to get unlimited [perk name] in [map/area]. The steps to reproduce it are: 1… 2… Please let me know if you need any more information.’ 

Role-Play and Praise Their Courage 

Practice the reporting process with them at home. Once they have sent the report, acknowledge their integrity: ‘You did the right thing. That took courage and has helped to keep the game fair for other players.’ Reinforce the idea that this action keeps their record clean and builds their reputation as a trustworthy player. 

Responding to Peer Pressure 

If their friends pressure them to keep or sell the exploit, provide them with short and firm refusal lines. 

• ‘I have already reported it; I do not want to risk my account by cheating.’ 

• ‘It is not fair to everyone else, so I am not going to use it.’ 

Coach them to step away from any pressure. If any threats or harassment follow, they should save the evidence and inform you or another trusted adult immediately. 

Spiritual Insight 

Reporting a game exploit is an act of honesty and responsibility. It protects the trust between players and honours the Islamic principle that we are all accountable for how we respect the rights and property of others, even in a virtual setting. 

The Principle of Fair Dealings 

The Quran teaches us that taking an unfair advantage, even in a game, is a form of unjust gain. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 188: 

‘And do not consume each other’s wealth inequitably, or present it (as a bribe) to the sovereign ruler, so that (the sovereign ruler may aid you) in consuming (further) wealth of the people inequitably, whilst you are fully aware (of your wrongful actions).’ 

This verse reminds us that we must not consume that which is not rightfully ours. Reporting an exploit is a way of preventing unjust consumption and protecting the rights of the community. 

The Virtue of Guarding a Trust 

The teachings of our Prophet ﷺ emphasise that protecting the rights of others is a rewarded act and that guarding a trust is a form of worship. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 3807, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Whoever guards the interest of people, Allah will guard him; whoever breaks the trust, will be judged for it.’ 

When your child reports an exploit, they are guarding the rights of the game’s community and practising the virtue of amanah (trustworthiness). Encourage them to make a quiet dua, such as, ‘O Allah, please help me to always act justly and to protect that which you have entrusted to me.’