Nurturing a Safer Digital Playground: CyberPeace and UNICEF Collaborate for Child Well-being in Online Gaming

In a step, towards fostering an more child friendly online gaming environment, CyberPeace and UNICEF collaborated to organize the National Conference on Child Rights, Trust, Safety and Well being in Online Gaming and eSports in India. This important event explored aspects of the gaming industry with a special focus on striking the right balance between innovation safeguarding childrens rights and promoting their overall well being.

The conference served as a platform for engaging discussions particularly centered around the proposal to establish a Self Regulatory Organization (SRO) Framework and CyberPeace guidelines designed specifically for the Online Gaming and eSports Industry. Vineet Kumar, Global President and Founder of CyberPeace delivered an opening address that emphasized the importance of advocating for child rights well being, trust and safety in the constantly evolving digital gaming landscape.

Dr. Shuli Gilutz, from UNICEF presented an overview discussing the well being of children involved in gaming. She highlighted the need to protect their lives while emphasizing ensuring their safety and security within the expanding virtual world.
Dr. Gilutz also provided insights, into a UNICEF program that focuses on improving the well being of children in the gaming realm.
Ms. Stuti Narain Kacker, the Chairperson of NCPCR shared knowledge about the regulatory aspects concerning child rights in online gaming. She emphasized the growing involvement of students in gaming. Highlighted the importance of parents taking precautions to create a gaming environment for their children.
Dr. Subi Chaturvedi, who holds a Ph.D. From IIT Delhi and serves as a Member of the Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) for the United Nations Internet Governance Forum offered a perspective on how gaming impacts child behavior negatively. She stressed the presence of Indias gaming industry. Advocated for a format that combines gaming with educational elements. Dr. Chaturvedi also raised awareness about AI chatbots being used as companions for students urging parents to be watchful.
The conference concluded with a panel discussion led by Ms. Stuti Narain Kacker exploring how students interest in e gaming is evolving over time. Distinguished panelists from sectors such, as gaming industry, academia, civil society, government and gamers themselves shared their viewpoints. Proposed solutions to tackle challenges associated with online gaming.

The conference served as a platform where participants could come together and share their thoughts, knowledge and effective strategies regarding Digital Wellbeing. The main focus was, on addressing the challenges that arise from gaming. To conclude the event a group of panelists engaged in a conversation titled “Striking the Right Balance; Regulating Online Gaming for Innovation and Child Safety.” Their input added an insightful viewpoint, to the discussion.