Navigating the digital playground

The appeal of online gaming has captivated global audiences, transforming the way we play, interact and connect. As this form of entertainment continues to flourish, it brings about many benefits – from enhancing cognitive abilities to fostering social bonds. However, the virtual world is not without challenges. Is cyberbullying and hate speech casting a shadow over the digital playground?

 Online gaming is a powerful tool for entertainment and education, offering players a chance to immerse themselves in diverse virtual worlds. The ability to connect with friends and gamers from different corners of the globe creates a unique social experience. Online games are a good platform for learning and creativity. Players can relieve stress while engaging in cultural exchanges and building communities within these virtual spaces. Gaming encourages strategic thinking and collaboration, while also opening doors for professional opportunities in the growing gaming industry.

 Yet, this digital realm also harbours risks, with cyberbullying becoming an increasingly prevalent concern. The anonymity of online interactions can embolden individuals to engage in aggressive behaviors, which turns the gaming experience sour for many. “Bullying in online games looks very similar to conventional cyberbullying. The player is exposed to repeated insults and derogatory remarks, and may receive an unflattering nickname,” says Professor Kamil Kopecký, who specialises in the field of risky behaviour in the online environment. According to the Centre for Technology & Society, 25 million gamers aged 10-17 in the U.S. play online multiplayer games. More than half of them have experienced harassment while playing.

Share of young people who reported having experienced harassment in online games:

Any harassment / Disrupted play (trolling) / Called offensive names / Ridiculed because of avatar’s skin / Personally embarrassed by another player / Annoyed or bullied over multiple sessions / Excluded from joining a game or chat because of identity

Source: Centre for Technology & Society, 2022

Deciphering the world of cyberbullying

 In online games, cyberbullying takes on various forms. It’s often targeted at newcomers and less experienced players – often labelled as “noobs” or “lamers.” While competitiveness and banter are integral to gaming culture, it is imperative to discern when these interactions cross the line into bullying. Professor Kopecký stresses the importance of recognising the difference between typically aggressive gaming banter and harmful cyberbullying which can affect child’s mental health. “Cyberbullying in online games can take on more dangerous forms associated with threat, blackmail and fraud.” Parents can protect their children from cyberbullying in online gaming by distinguishing harmless banter from harmful attacks, noting changes in behaviour, and encouraging open dialogue about their gaming experiences. You can work through this online lesson with your children to learn more about identifying bullying characteristics. It's important to educate kids about safe online practices and the use of tools for reporting abuse.

 At the same time, it is necessary to mention that cyberbullying conducted within games can fundamentally differ from common cyberbullying associated with the school environment and classmates. In typical cases of cyberbullying, the aggressors are often classmates or other people from the child’s life offline. However, in cyberbullying related to the gaming environment, the aggressor can be anyone – possibly from the opposite corner of the country or even from another continent. “The foundation of preventing cyberbullying in online games is not to provide fellow players with too much personal information that can be misused. Such as names or addresses, and especially no intimate photos or videos,” advises Professor Kamil Kopecký. Kids should try to avoid unpleasant players and focus on those who behave politely, and simply enjoy the game with nice people.

 Awareness is key in identifying when gaming language escalates into hate speech. Derogatory comments based on race, religion, gender or sexual orientation are unacceptable and can lead to legal repercussions. Hate speech is a severe form of aggression that goes beyond the boundaries of freedom of speech, and both players and parents need to be vigilant in recognising and addressing it.

 Remember to save all the evidence

 Fighting cyberbullying in online games requires the involvement of players, parents and game developers alike. Reporting mechanisms and in-game tools for blocking and muting aggressive players are essential features that help maintain a safe gaming environment. Popular online games like Fortnite, League of Legends and Overwatch have reporting systems that allow players to report abusive behaviour directly within the game. Parents play a crucial role in educating their children about online safety, encouraging open communication, and fostering resilience against cyberbullying.

 Young users can block the aggressor after they have captured the evidence of bullying. “All they have to do is take a screenshot of the communication, ideally with a link that leads to the communication. The key is to delete nothing and save everything. Sometimes it is very easy to mute or ban cyberbullies so that they are not able to contact the victim, but then they easily continue in their behaviour,” explains Kamil Kopecky, who has dealt with many cases of cyberbullying in online games via the E-Bezpečí organisation. “There have been incidents when a child provides their login details for an online game to another user. The cybercriminal then accessed the account, changed the password, and stole all the account's content. The original owner was then cyberbullied, blackmailed and told they had to pay, or they would not get their account back.”

A first-hand experience of cyberbullying in online games:

We discussed cyberbullying in online games with Emma who is now 16 years old and has personally experienced it. Here is her story.

“I had a group of friends who played World of Warcraft and League of Legends together. They knew I was also a gamer and invited me to try team-based online gaming with them. We started with League of Legends. As with any new game, it took me a while to understand how it worked, get used to the controls, and learn the strategies. For practice, I occasionally played with random players, which I found to be quite challenging. When some of the players realised I was a girl, it usually resulted in them blaming me for unsuccessful games, not wanting to include me in the next game, and sometimes even resorting to foul language and insults. On the other hand, the nicer players felt the need to explain everything to me in great detail and describe everything. Even things I told them I already knew and understood, they would tell me what to do as if I was just a puppet in their own game. They didn’t acknowledge that I have my own mind and opinions, and that I can play the game in a way that is enjoyable for me. So, after a few months, I decided to stop playing these games altogether. And I don’t even play with my friends anymore because a few cyberbullies ruined those games for me.”

 Creating a safe gaming environment

 While online gaming opens up a world of adventure and connection, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks on the digital playground. Understanding the risks, recognising the signs of cyberbullying, and taking proactive steps to fight it are vital in ensuring a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. “Don’t forget about basic security habits – such as setting a strong password, ideally enabling multi-factor authentication for accounts, never revealing your password to anyone, and not falling for offers related to enhancing gaming accounts,” says Professor Kopecký. Together, we can create a positive digital culture, safeguarding the well-being of young gamers and fostering a community of respect and inclusion.

Gamer’s glossary

Should you dive into the world of online gaming, you'll quickly realise it has a language on its own. From unique slang to acronyms, it can be overwhelming for newcomers. Here’s a handy vocabulary to help you and your children easily navigate the world of online gaming.

• AFK (Away From Keyboard): Used to let others know that a player is temporarily stepping away from their computer or console.
• Buff: A temporary enhancement to a player's abilities or stats.
• Camping: Staying in one spot for an extended period, often in a strategic location, to gain an advantage over other players.
• Clans: Groups or teams of players who play together regularly. Clans often have their own unique name, logo and hierarchy.
• Cooldown: A length of time that a player must wait before using a specific ability or item again.
• GG (Good Game): A polite phrase exchanged between players at the end of a game, regardless of the outcome. 
• Grinding: Performing repetitive tasks in a game to achieve a certain goal, such as leveling up or acquiring specific items.
• Hitbox: An area on a character or object within a game that can be hit or interacted with.
• Lag: A delay between a player's actions and the game's response, often due to slow internet connection.
• Lamer: Similar to noob, but carrying the implication that the player is not only inexperienced but also unwilling to learn or improve.
• Loot: Items, equipment or resources obtained in a game, often from defeating enemies or completing quests.
• Mob (Mobile Object): Hostile entities in a game that players can interact with, often for combat purposes.
• Nerf: A reduction in the effectiveness of a game element, often used to balance gameplay.
• Noob (or Newbie): A term used to describe a new or inexperienced player. It can be used in a playful, teasing manner, but can also be derogatory if used to belittle someone's skills.
• NPC (Non-Player Character): Characters in a game that are not controlled by players. Managed by the game's AI, they provide quests, information or other interactions. 
• PVE (Player vs. Environment): Gameplay focused on players overcoming challenges or battling against computer-controlled enemies.
• PvP (Player vs. Player): A type of gameplay that involves direct competition between players.
• Rage Quit: When a player becomes so frustrated or angry they abruptly exit the game.
• Respawn: The act of a player reappearing in the game world after being defeated.