Online/Gaming Culture: Supporting Safe and Healthy Gaming

Recently, we have heard of an uptick of language and behaviours that we believe originated from online gaming. These have included use of aggressive language between peers and significant put downs. In approaching and resolving these situations, some of this has been linked to online behaviours and we share the following that relates to gaming.

Gaming can be a positive way for young people to have fun, connect with friends and develop problem-solving skills. However, online gaming can sometimes involve toxic behaviour, including bullying, harassment, offensive language, trolling and deliberately upsetting other players.

Though students can see this as a separate environment with different rules and norms, these things can impact others and affect relationships outside of the games. Aggressively having a go at each other, slandering others, racism and engaging in harassment is never OK; and doing it online shouldn't be brushed over just because it isn't in person.

How families can help

The big thing we are asking families to do to support their young person is - call out negative behaviours or language where you see/hear it, particularly in the online space. Consider taking a stance of - If I don't accept it normally, I won't accept it online. If you hear your child throwing out a slur or swearing aggressively during an online gaming session or online interaction - please feel encouraged to call it out and stop the game to have a talk about that not being your values.

Parents and carers can also support young people by:

Talk openly: Ask about the games they play, who they play with and how they are treated online.
Setting boundaries: Agree on appropriate gaming times and make sure gaming doesn't interfere with sleep, school, family time or physical activity.
Encourage breaks: Remind young people to take regular breaks from screens.
Teach them what to do: Encourage students to mute, block and report players who behave inappropriately rather than responding.
Model respectful behaviour: Reinforce that kindness and respect apply online just as they do in person.
Check in: If gaming is affecting your child's mood, sleep, friendships or schoolwork, have a calm conversation and seek support if needed.

Our goal is not to stop young people gaming, but to help them enjoy gaming safely, respectfully and in a healthy balance with other parts of their lives.