Steam Family + Steam Family View

Steam has two family features. Steam Families (newer) lets parents approve purchases and share game libraries. Steam Family View (older, still works) locks the Steam client into a restricted mode until a PIN is entered.

Steam Families setup

On the parent Steam account: Account Details › Family Management › Create Family.
Invite up to 5 members; mark minors as children.
Child purchases require parent approval.
Family library sharing — kids can play parent-owned games (if parent isn’t actively playing).
Playtime limits can be set per kid.

Steam Family View setup

On the kid’s Steam client: Settings › Family › Manage Family View.
Choose what’s accessible without PIN: Store, Community, Friends list, Library, etc.
Set a PIN the kid doesn’t know.
Choose which games in the library are accessible.

Settings that matter

Friends › Privacy: Private or Friends Only.
Who can see my games: Friends Only.
Invites from non-friends: off.
Comments on profile: Friends Only.
Steam Chat from non-friends: off.
Trade holds: enabled on account with Family View (prevents item loss to scams).

Scam patterns on Steam

“Vote for my team” phishing links in friend requests or Steam chat — steal accounts.
Item-trade scams — attacker offers high-value items, switches at the last moment.
Fake “Steam support” DMs — Steam never DMs you.
Gift card scams via Discord communities attached to games.

Third-party chat and mods

Steam games often integrate Discord voice. And many games support mod downloads (Steam Workshop) that can include content the base game doesn’t. Review installed mods with your kid.

Steam: the parent’s guide