# Child welfare risks in the esports industry > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/child-welfare-risks-in-the-esports-industry > Updated: 2026-11-01T15:30:09.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Save the Children has released a report titled “Protecting Child Rights in Esports,” which warns that the competitive gaming industry is failing to protect the health and wellbeing of its young participants. The report notes that up to 300 million children participate in esports globally and face risks such as sleep disruption, musculoskeletal issues, anxiety, depression, sexism, and online harassment. Experts, including psychologist Theo Toresson, have stated that children must be “recognised as children first and competitors second.” The report urges the industry to prioritize the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child over competitive ambitions and to implement safeguards and ergonomic guidance similar to professional sports. In Romania, these concerns regarding child safety and welfare in the esports sector have gained further scrutiny. While international tournaments offer significant prize money, young competitors face intense pressure that can lead to stress, exhaustion, and mental health issues. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-01: Consumer safety and esports risks face scrutiny in Romania Romania faces dual challenges regarding youth welfare: the prevalence of unsafe, illegal toy imports and the lack of protective standards for minors entering the high-pressure professional esports industry. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/consumer-safety-and-esports-risks-face-scrutiny-in-romania ### 2026-10-27: Save the Children warns of risks to young esports players A Save the Children report warns that the esports industry lacks sufficient safeguards for the 300 million children participating, citing risks to mental health, physical wellbeing, and education. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/save-the-children-warns-of-risks-to-young-esports-players --- Cite as: Child welfare risks in the esports industry. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/child-welfare-risks-in-the-esports-industry