What does “friend” mean in this game?
Read the current feature description or inspect the controls with an adult. In some setups, adding a contact changes who can send messages or join a session. In others, it mainly makes future invitations easier. Do not use the friendly word alone to decide. Ask your child why they want to accept: finding a cooperative teammate, joining a group, or continuing a conversation are different purposes that may need different arrangements.
What information do we actually have?
A username, skilled play, or a friendly voice does not verify a person’s identity. Avoid asking the child to investigate a stranger by exchanging personal details. If your household only permits known offline contacts, apply that boundary plainly. When a school friend sends a request, confirm the username through an existing trusted channel rather than assuming a similar display name proves it is them. Keep personal names, school details, and contact information out of the exchange.
How do we make the rule usable during play?
Give the child a simple action: leave the request pending, show an adult, or decline under the agreed rule. They should not have to negotiate identity and privacy while a match is still moving. Explain that declining a request is allowed even after enjoyable play. If the family later changes its approach, review the contact list and available communication settings together. Permission for one verified friend is not automatically permission for the wider group that friend knows.