Save the Children warns of risks to young esports players

A new report titled “Protecting Child Rights in Esports,” published by Save the Children, warns that the rapidly growing competitive gaming industry is failing to adequately protect the health and wellbeing of young participants.

The report highlights that up to 300 million children worldwide participate in esports and may face significant risks, including sleep disruption, musculoskeletal issues, anxiety, depression, sexism, and online harassment. Intensive training schedules often encroach upon essential time for education, physical activity, and social development.

Psychologist and gaming expert Theo Toresson emphasized that children must be “recognised as children first and competitors second.” The report calls on the industry to prioritize the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) over competitive ambitions and to implement safeguards and ergonomic guidance similar to those found in professional sports.