In an effort to boost positive gaming experiences, QUT has arranged for competitors in a high school esports competition it runs to receive a safety awareness visit from the state’s top safety cops.
QUT’s popular eSports program hosts a high school league which provides students with esports competition and production experience, as well as online wellbeing and safety skills.
Events involving south-east Queensland-based high schools have been held at the QUT Esports arena at Gardens Point campus, including one held on June 5 involving Dakabin State High School, Craigslea State High School and Macgregor State High School.
QUT esports coordinator, Steve Window, said the competition is aimed at giving high schoolers a “wholistic approach” to education, wellbeing and high performance.
Mr Window said representatives from Queensland police’s Taskforce ARGOS team has been on hand during the QUT High School eSport league to provide advice.
“The program is about building trust and QUT’s program links students to dedicated resources and experience such as Task Force Argos and using the eSafety Commissioner’s online safety information,” Mr Window said.
He said research from the Office of eSafety found three quarters of teens wanted more online safety information through trusted channels and the QUT program supported this.
“Our program sees students mentored by our esports professionals where students participate in competition as players or in esports industry roles officiating, streaming and casting,” he said.
Sergeant Trevor Keenan told the students about the importance of being careful communicating online and the lasting consequences of negative online experiences.
“Our message to young people who have had negative experiences is know that it is not your fault and help is available. Nothing is so bad that you can’t tell a trusted adult,” Sergeant Keenan said.
The high school esports competition will run again during term 3 of school with registrations opening later this month.
The 2022 season will open with trials in School Term 4 starting October 9, 2021.
CONTACT: media@qut.edu.au
