Gaming is one of the most popular past times in the world. The amount of money spent playing games is more than that spent on video-on-demand (VOD), such as Netflix, or music streaming like Spotify combined. There are many aspects to gaming beyond playing the games, including livestreaming, esports or gambling.
Learners should be aware of the risks of inappropriate content in games, the pressure to make purchases (lootboxes, FUT, skins), and the risks associated with playing multiplayer online games whether friends or strangers.
The risks:
- sharing or receiving content that is inappropriate, offensive or harmful
- being groomed or exploited
- being bullied
- sharing private information
Becoming cyber resilient is the first step to being safer online. Talk to your learners about the devices and accounts that they use to access online information:
- Make them aware of any potential risks, such as grooming or cyberbullying and greifing
- Ensure they have privacy and security settings enabled on their games consoles and apps when playing online
- If content is harmful – do they know how to report it?
Being more cyber resilient reduces the risk of internet safety issues arising. We all want the internet to be a more welcoming space for children and young people and that is why we promote this positive message of safe, smart and kind.
With your learners:
- Discuss the risk of playing inappropriate games, or with inappropriate players, such as randomly matched adults
- What is the difference between trolling, griefing and bullying?
- Look at how they can be kinder when playing cooperatively
Gaming resources:
Games Consoles | Safer Internet Centre – questions for engaging with gamers
information:
Gaming – Childnet – guides for popular consoles and games
Staying-Safe-Online-advice-for-parents-and-carers.pdf (cyberscotland.com)
