Online Gaming Safety Guide for LGBTQ+ Youth: Stay Protected While Playing
Online gaming offers both benefits and risks for LGBTQ+ children and young people. Understanding these can help create a safer gaming environment while maintaining the positive aspects of this popular activity.
Benefits of Online Gaming for LGBTQ+ Youth:
- Develops strategic thinking and decision-making skills
- Provides opportunities for self-expression
- Strengthens existing friendships with like-minded peers
- Creates possibilities for meaningful online friendships
- Offers a space for social connection and community
Child wearing VR headset gaming
Key Risks to Consider:
- 57% of young people experience bullying in online games
- 40% of LGBT youth face homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic abuse
- 64% encounter trolling
- 40% receive unwanted sexual contact
- Risk of being outed without consent
- Potential sharing of personal information
Practical Protection Steps:
- Engage with Their Gaming:
- Play games together to understand the environment
- Learn about their favorite games and communities
- Discuss what they enjoy about gaming
- Implement Safety Measures:
- Learn how to report abuse in specific games
- Set appropriate gaming schedules
- Monitor communication features
- Discuss information sharing boundaries
- Have Important Conversations:
- Talk about online privacy and personal information
- Discuss witnessing or experiencing bullying
- Address hate speech and how to respond
- Create an open dialogue about their experiences
Dealing with Online Issues:
For Bullying:
- Document incidents
- Report through proper channels
- Consider temporary breaks from specific games
- Seek support from anti-bullying organizations
For Hate Speech:
- Report incidents immediately
- Save evidence
- Block offending users
- Access support services if needed
LGBT Youth Scotland rainbow logo
Thinkuknow logo with green backdrop
Support Resources:
- Childline: 0800 1111 (24/7)
- YoungMinds: 0808 802 5544 (9:30 am – 4 pm)
- Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90 (24/7)
- FFLAG: 0845 652 0311
- Online reporting tools through individual gaming platforms
- Anti-bullying organizations and LGBTQ+ support groups
Remember: The goal is to protect while supporting their gaming enjoyment, not to restrict their ability to participate in this popular social activity.
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