Preventing Harassment and Gender-Based Violence in Online Videogames Through Education

The prevention and fight against harassment and gender violence in online videogames is a current problem. The aim of this research is to analyze the prevention work carried out in educational centers, with an emphasis on the Community of Madrid (Spain). A mixed methodology has been used, combining a qualitative analysis of research published from 2000 to the present and a quantitative approach through a questionnaire applied to 238 teachers in the Community of Madrid. Most teachers are unaware of the tools for the prevention of gender-based violence in videogames, such as codes of conduct and EducaMadrid resources. In addition, most do not identify the videogames used by their students, making it difficult to address these issues. Most teachers lack knowledge about videogames, as well as the codes of conduct and reporting mechanisms available when a student faces conflicts related to gender-based violence. The findings underline the need to train teachers and provide them with adequate resources to prevent and address gender-based violence in digital environments, especially in videogames, to ensure a safe and inclusive educational environment.