Children’s experiences of disruption in online video games with other people

What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of this research project is to better understand and explore children’s video gaming experiences. We need to know more about what disruptions they experience while playing to help create less toxic and more supportive spaces for children within online video gaming communities.

Disruptive behaviour during video gaming includes behaviour, unintended disruptions such as misunderstandings of the aim of the game or the meaning of a word, playing with someone less experienced, and trying out something new within a game (e.g. a character, mode, equipment, etc.). Disruptive behaviour in video game environments may also include behaviour that is sometimes referred to as toxic, such as name-calling, swearing, or intentionally being annoying, etc. When people experience disruption, it can be frustrating, and they may choose to stop playing or become disruptive themselves. Experiencing some types of disruption may also be upsetting.

Most video games have rules about what is and is not acceptable to do while playing that game and have ways for players to report unacceptable behaviour. However, just like other types of games (e.g. monopoly), understandings about what is acceptable sometimes differ between players across games, and different games may have different rules. In this current study, we are interested in better understanding what children are experiencing while playing video games with other people online.

Are you looking for people like me?

Are you the parent or primary carer of a child aged 7 or 8 years old?

Our QUT research team wants to speak with children:

• who are 7 or 8 years old
• who regularly plays multiplayer video games online with other people (e.g., friends, family, other) for a total of at least 3 hour per week over the past month on any device.
• who are a resident of either Brisbane or Moreton Bay Regional Council area or are willing to go to the QUT Children's Technology Centre (Kelvin Grove).
• who would like to talk to us about their video gaming experiences.

Your child does not need to play the whole 3 hours in one sitting. This time might be made up of 30 minutes each day, a few days a week.

What will you ask me to do?

Your child's participation will involve an audio recorded conversation with your child at your home or the Children's Technology Centre at QUT's Kelvin Grove campus.  The conversation will take approximately 30-60 minutes of your time.

During the interview the researcher (Dana) will ask your child to draw and write on some paper while talking about their experiences. At the end of the interview Dana will take a photo of the creation and leave the paper copy with the child.

Questions will include:

General questions asking about games that are played;
Having the child describe a “walk through” experience of playing online with other people; and
Follow-up questions by the researcher to better understand that experience (e.g., “Does something limit your gaming?” and “Have you had bad experiences of gaming, or does something about gaming annoy or worry you?”).

Follow the link provided below for more information about the study, or feel free to contact dana.trenaman@hdr.qut.edu.au with any questions.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

Participation in this study may include discomfort due to your child discussing or disclosing past negative experiences playing online video games with other people. Participation is voluntary, and you or your child can ask to pause or stop the interview at any time.

Follow the link provided below for more information about potential risks, or feel free to contact dana.trenaman@hdr.qut.edu.au with any questions.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

Participation in this research may not directly benefit you or your child. However, generating new knowledge and understanding about children's experiences of disruptions when playing video games online with other people may benefit others in the future.

If you let us know you are interested, we can send a summary of the study findings for you and your child.

You will receive a $20 WISH e-gift voucher, and your child will receive vinyl video gaming stickers in recognition of your contributions.

Will I be compensated for my time?

Yes. Participating families will receive a $20 WISH e-gift voucher, and participating children will receive vinyl video gaming stickers in recognition of your contributions.

I am interested - what should I do next?

If you are interested please follow the survey link, read the information and talk to your child about the study. If you and your child would like to be involved, answer the questions in the link and Dana will contact you and organise a time.

https://qsurvey.qut.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_863KKRmXIzlq2Uu

If you have any questions, please contact us at dana.trenaman@hdr.qut.edu.au