This Safer Internet Day comes at an important time. During the unprecedented challenges of the last two years, playing games online has been an important and enjoyable way for young people to stay connected with their friends and, in many ways, has had a positive impact on their emotional well-being through some difficult times.

However, our research also reveals the emotional challenges and safety risks that online games can present for young people, including offensive comments, hostile behaviour and frequent contact with players they don’t know.

Now, more than ever, it is vital to understand and address these challenges and risks to ensure online games can be enjoyable, respectful, and safe for everyone.