Louisiana launched PlaySafe, a free game that teaches kids ages 10-16 how to recognize online predators, grooming tactics and inappropriate behaviors
Gov. Jeff Landry’s office of Human Trafficking Prevention announced Thursday the launch of a new interactive, educational game to help young people learn about the dangers and signs of potential online predators.
The interactive game, PlaySafe Louisiana, is targeted toward children ages 10 to 16. It creates an online gaming scenario where it challenges the user to identify and appropriately respond to a potential predator in an online gaming chat room.
The scenario uses techniques that a real-life predator may use to build trust, test boundaries and attempt to exploit young people online. The game was announced on Sept. 16 at Parkview Baptist School where students were able to play the game and navigate the experience firsthand.
Landry said fighting human trafficking and protecting Louisiana children have been top priorities since the beginning of his administration.
“From my time as Attorney General to now as Governor, fighting human trafficking and protecting Louisiana’s kids has been a top priority from day one,” Gov. Jeff Landry said. “We have to do everything we can to keep our kids safe, especially online. PlaySafe Louisiana gives our young people the tools to recognize dangerous behavior and help stop trafficking before it starts.”
Officials said predators and traffickers routinely use online platforms, including gaming chatrooms, to target young people.
In 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received 21.3 million reports through its CyberTipline that involved online child sexual exploitation. According to NCMEC, child sex trafficking reports rose by 323%.
Mary Kate Andrepont, director of the Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention, said the game is designed to help young people recognize common grooming tactics.
“Predators use predictable grooming tactics: they befriend youth, build their trust, and gradually test boundaries, all before the abuse begins,” Andrepont said. “PlaySafe Louisiana teaches youth to recognize these patterns and empowers them to trust their instincts. Youth can feel confident that when they speak up, they will be met with support from trusted adults.”
The state said PlaySafe Louisiana can also be used by parents, mentors, coaches and schools as a resource to help children stay safer online. The game is free and can be played on a smartphone, tablet or computer.
The game can be found through the Governors Office Human Trafficking Prevention website here.
