What You Need To Know About Online Dress Up Games

Remember paper dolls? Or were you more of a Barbie kid? Today, dress-up isn't limited by what's in the costume bin. Online games have opened up endless possibilities.

"Now, there are games and websites that allow children to select outfits, makeup and accessories for virtual characters," says Deborah Ellick, MA, SPED, an early childhood educator.

While these free dress up games are fun and wildly popular, not all of them are appropriate for the under-12 crowd. Dress to Impress on Roblox, for instance, has reached billions of plays, but it's not just kids in the game. A focus on body image, user-created sexy outfits and the ability to interact with other players can make the game unsafe for littles.

Psychologist Ehab Youssef, who specializes in child development, shares a common concern from parents: "I recently spoke with a mother worried about her eight-year-old daughter's obsession with dress-up games. 'Is this normal?' she asked. 'Should I worry that she's too focused on body image and looks?'"

So, should you turn off the wifi and break out the paper dolls? Youssef and other experts share what parents need to know about dress up games.

Are there any benefits to online dress-up games?

Self-expression and creativity

"When children design characters, they make a series of creative choices," says Ellick. "Each decision gives kids a sense of control, showing them they can influence what happens."

Storytelling and social development

As Youssef explains, "When kids pretend to be characters like detectives, pirates or queens, they make up stories. This imaginative play also helps them learn social skills."

Decision-making and confidence

Activities like choosing clothes, coordinating colours and crafting a character's backstory can be powerful tools for kids, says Youssef.

"These tasks help kids practice decision-making, taking small yet significant steps toward independence," he explains.

What are the risks?

Data and privacy

 Data and privacy are one of the biggest risks of dress-up games (and any online game), says Mandi St. Germaine, an early childhood education expert.

"Some dress-up games collect players' data or ask them to create accounts, which can lead to privacy problems," she explains. "Ads in the games and chat rooms can also expose children to harmful content or phishing."

Unrealistic beauty standards

Unrealistic beauty standards are another risk associated with dress-up games. When points or scores in a game are based on how attractive their character is, this can be problematic.

Gender stereotypes

"Some dress-up games also focus exclusively on traditionally feminine roles (princesses, models, etc.)," explains Youssef. "This can limit a child’s perception of what’s possible for them."

Tricky social situations

Like many Roblox games, kids can interact with other players and the virtual world around them. For instance, in the popular game Royale High, players can take classes, make friends, join groups and participate in beauty pageants. This opens opportunities for feeling left out.

Choosing safe and age-appropriate games

"Parents should check game ratings, read reviews and play the games themselves before allowing children to play," says St. Germaine. "For games aimed at younger children, it's important that they are age-appropriate and have limited ads. Additionally, these games should not include chat functions and should focus more on creativity rather than unrealistic beauty standards."

• Look for red flags: St. Germaine warns about games with suggestive characters, frequent in-app purchases or chat functions that let kids talk to strangers. Also, watch for games that promote unrealistic beauty ideals.
• Choose games from reputable sources: "Dress up games on PBS Kids encourage creativity and representation without a focus on unrealistic standards of beauty," says St. Germaine.
• Stay involved: "Parents can stay involved by playing games with their children and discussing what they like about the game," says St. Germaine.
• Use parental controls: "These filters allow parents to limit in-game purchases, chat features and interactions with other players," says Miller.
• Limit screentime: "By setting screen time guidelines with your children, you’re helping promote healthy habits," Miller says.

The Best Dress Up Games For Girls

Web-Based Dress-Up Games: 

Doll Divine: Offers beautifully illustrated, history-based, and fantasy-themed dress-up games.

ABCya! Dress for the Weather: An interactive game where kids learn about appropriate clothing choices based on the weather.

Mobile Apps (iOS & Android): 

Barbie Fashion Closet:  Encourages kids to mix and match outfits while exploring careers and hobbies.

Paper Princess’s Dream Castle: A soft, pastel-colored dress-up game with gentle storytelling elements.

Educational and Open-Ended Games: 

Toca Life: World: While not strictly a dress-up game, kids can change characters’ outfits while exploring an interactive world.

My Town: Fashion Show: A pretend-play game where kids create outfits and put on fashion shows.

The Sims 4 (Kid-Friendly Mode): With parental guidance, kids can enjoy designing characters and styling outfits in an open-ended world.

How to talk to your kids about body image and self-esteem

"I think dress-up is a great chance for parents to talk about all the different roles people have," says Aja Chavez, an educator and mental health specialist. "It's also an opportunity to discuss how looks are just one part of who someone is."

Encourage self-acceptance and self-love

To encourage self-love and self-acceptance, Chavez encourages parents to model self-love themselves. "Kids learn from how we talk about our bodies. Avoiding negative self-talk and celebrating all kinds of beauty can make a big difference," she explains.

Celebrate uniqueness

"By focusing on their unique talents, kindness, and resilience, you help kids build their self-confidence," says Miller. "Regularly praise their creativity, hard work, and problem-solving skills, not just their looks. This helps them feel good about themselves beyond how they look."

Distinguish real life from fantasy

"I would recommend parents explicitly discuss the difference between make-believe and reality," suggests Chavez. "Parents can explain that dressing up is fun and imaginative. However, they should also emphasize that real people come in different shapes, sizes, and have different abilities."

The bottom line

Dress-up games can foster creativity, storytelling, and self-expression in children. However, parents should choose games that are right for their child's age, watch for any inappropriate content, and be involved in their child's gaming activities.

It's equally important to strike a balance between dress-up games and real-life activities. Parents should also encourage a healthy body image and promote positive self-esteem.

Experts

• Mandi St. Germaine is an early childhood education expert and curriculum.
• Ehab Youssef is a licensed clinical psychologist, mental health researcher, and writer associated with Mentalyc.
• Deborah Ellick, MA, SPED, is an early childhood educator.
• Aja Chavez is an educator, therapist, and adolescent mental health specialist.
• Kristen Miller, Director of Education at Celebree School.