In the rapidly evolving world of gaming, we face a unique challenge: how do we remove barriers to entry and foster innovation whilst ensuring the online safety of our young participants? As the esports industry continues to grow, attracting millions of viewers and offering lucrative opportunities, it’s crucial that we strike the right balance between freedom and esports safeguarding.
The Dual Nature of Esports Safety
Esports presents a dual challenge when it comes to safeguarding. On one hand, we have the physical space where tournaments and training take place. On the other, we have the vast online realm where most of the action unfolds. Both environments require careful consideration and tailored approaches to safeguarding.
Physical Safety
In the physical world, esports organisations can learn a great deal from traditional sports:
- Medical Checks: Regular health assessments can ensure players are physically fit to compete.
- Age Limits: While not legally mandated in many places, setting appropriate age restrictions for different levels of competition can protect younger players.
- Insurance: Comprehensive policies can cover health risks associated with intensive gaming.
Online Safety in Esports
The online aspect of esports presents unique challenges:
- Cyberbullying: Clear policies and reporting mechanisms are essential to combat online harassment.
- Data Protection: Safeguarding personal information of young players is crucial in the digital age.
- Addiction Prevention: Educating players about healthy gaming habits and digital wellbeing can mitigate the risk of gaming addiction.
Removing Guardrails: Fostering Innovation and Growth
Whilst player welfare is paramount, it’s equally important not to stifle the innovative spirit that drives esports forward. Here’s how we can remove unnecessary barriers:
- Open Tournaments: Creating more opportunities for amateur players to compete can help discover new talent.
- Flexible Team Structures: Allowing for non-traditional team compositions can foster creativity and new strategies.
- Cross-Game Skills: Encouraging players to explore multiple video games can broaden their skill sets and career opportunities.
Implementing Effective Safeguarding Measures
Drawing from both traditional sports and the unique aspects of esports, here are key safeguarding measures to consider:
- Comprehensive Safeguarding Policy: Develop a clear, accessible policy that outlines expected behaviour, reporting procedures, and consequences for violations.
- Code of Conduct: Establish robust guidelines for players and staff that emphasise respectful and responsible behaviour.
- Professional Development: Invest in proper training for coaches and staff, including youth coaching certifications and courses on sports psychology, diversity and inclusion, and conflict resolution.
- Reporting Mechanisms: Create confidential channels for reporting concerns, ensuring players and staff can voice issues without fear of retaliation.
- Mental Health Support: Provide access to counselling and support services to address the unique psychological challenges of competitive gaming.
- Education and Awareness: Implement regular training programmes for players and staff on safeguarding principles, helping them recognise and report issues.
Best Practices from Sophia High School
Sophia High School, a leading British online school for students aged 4-18, offers valuable insights into developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and online safety awareness skills that are highly relevant to the esports environment. Their approach, inspired by the Forest School philosophy, can be adapted to create a safer, more effective, and ethical online and gaming experience:
- Experiential Learning: Encourage players to learn through direct experiences in controlled, safe environments. This could involve simulated scenarios that teach internet safety and ethical decision-making in gaming contexts.
- Risk Assessment Skills: Teach young players to identify and assess risks in their online interactions, much like how Forest School students learn to navigate physical environments safely. This includes recognising potential threats in chat rooms, social media, and gaming platforms.
- Problem-Solving Pathways: Develop structured approaches to problem-solving that players can apply both in-game and in their broader online interactions. This could include strategies for de-escalating conflicts or identifying reliable information sources.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Integrate ethics education into esports training, helping players understand the implications of their actions both in-game and in the wider community.
- Digital Citizenship: Foster a sense of responsibility and community in the digital space, encouraging players to contribute positively to their online environments.
- Peer Support Systems: Implement peer mentoring programmes where experienced players guide newcomers in navigating the esports landscape safely and ethically.
- Reflective Practice: Encourage regular reflection on experiences and decisions made in the gaming environment, promoting continuous learning and personal growth.
- Holistic Well-being: Address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of esports participation, ensuring a well-rounded approach to player development.
Learning from Traditional Sports
Whilst esports is a unique field, we can still learn valuable lessons from traditional sports:
- Governing Bodies: Establish or strengthen existing esports governing bodies to oversee safety standards and regulations.
- Player Unions: Encourage the formation of player associations to advocate for athletes’ rights and welfare.
- Parental Involvement: For younger players, involve parents or guardians in decision-making processes, much like in youth sports leagues.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
The future of esports lies in our ability to create an environment that is both free and safe. By implementing robust safeguarding measures whilst also removing unnecessary barriers, we can ensure that esports continues to thrive as an exciting, inclusive, and responsible industry.
As we move forward, it’s crucial that all stakeholders – from tournament organisers and team managers to players and parents – work together to create a culture of safety and innovation in esports. By incorporating best practices from educational institutions like Sophia High School, we can equip young players with the critical thinking skills and ethical framework necessary to navigate the complex world of esports safely and successfully.
