Children and young people have been telling the Commissioner how important gaming is to them, not only as a recreation activity but as a connector to a social community. The Commissioner has had many conversations with children and young people on the meaning of gaming in their lives. They have spoken about gaming as a sport, as an industry, and its potential for employment from careers in professional gaming to being game developers, sound engineers, broadcasters, commentators and event coordinators.
The Commissioner’s approach to gaming is comprehensive and includes:
- Support to develop support structures, clubs and competitions for gaming in SA.
- Introduction of respectful and positive messaging to young people involved in gaming.
- Problem gaming prevention and early intervention.
- Promotion of opportunities and pathways for gaming as a career.
- Protection of children and young people through formal recognition of esports and the development of policy, regulation and codes of conduct.
- Partnership with researchers to examine impact of gaming on social
behaviours.