Let’s Team Up: Reporting Cyberbullying on Gaming Platforms 🎮

Bullying — whether it happens at school, at home, or online — is not okay. Today, we’re talking about how to spot, address, and report bullying that occurs while gaming on platforms like Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC, Minecraft, Fortnite, Roblox, and others.

This is for kids and parents — so everyone can stay safe, feel respected, and have fun.

Why This Matters

Bullying online (sometimes called cyberbullying) can feel scary. Games are meant to be fun and safe. But when someone uses insults, threats, exclusion, or harassment while gaming, it ruins the experience. The good news: you can do something about it.

• According to the federal site StopBullying.gov, cyberbullying includes “using digital technologies to threaten, harass, embarrass, or target another child”. 

• One group focused on games noted that online abuse in gaming communities is a real issue. 

• The Story Ship presents many ways to help stop not just bullying, but cyberbullying as well in their show "Super Me! Super-Hero Anti-Bullying Training Program

Keeping gaming a safe space means recognizing bullying when it happens, standing up to it, and reporting it when necessary.

What Bullying Looks Like in Games

Here are some examples you (or your child) might see while gaming:

• Someone repeatedly insults or uses mean words in voice or chat.

• A player uses racial, hateful, or sexual comments.

• A player excludes or ignores someone on purpose (e.g., “we won’t invite you”).

• Threats, name-calling, or intentional disruption of play (e.g., trolling, griefing).

• Someone shares your personal game ID or info to humiliate you.

• Messages outside the game keep popping up, even when you leave.

If any of these happen, it’s worth taking action.

Why We Love The Story Ship’s "Super Me" School Assembly Show!

The Story Ship offers an immersive show called "Super Me!" with anti-bullying themes and social-emotional learning (SEL) tools. For example:

• Learning step-by-step methods to deal with bullies through theatrical games & magic. 

• Talking about all forms of bullying, not just in the classroom.

• The Story Ship uses award-winning techniques to teach kids how to deal with physical, emotional, and cyberbullying.

• This kind of fun, story-based learning helps kids talk about how they feel and how to respond when bullying happens — including in gaming.

For Kids: What You Can Do

1. Tell an adult you trust. If someone is being mean to you, talk to a parent, guardian, or another grown-up. You don’t have to deal with it alone.

2. Block and report. Most platforms let you block players and report harassment. Use those tools.

3. Stay calm and don’t retaliate. It’s tempting to respond, but sometimes telling someone to stop or reacting to them can fuel the problem.

4. Use safe settings. Make sure the chat or voice communication settings are set to your comfort level

   (or turn them off if needed).

5. Keep proof. If you can, take screenshots or note when things happen (time, game, what was said). That helps when reporting.

6. Take a break if you need to. It’s okay to step away from the game and talk with someone.

For Parents: How to Support Your Child

• Open the conversation: Ask how gaming is going, what friends they play with, and how they feel when gaming.

• Set up the environment: Review voice/text chat settings, friend invites, and privacy settings on the system your child uses.

• Teach coping skills: Use themes from The Story Ship — talk about kindness, cooperation, respect, and how to respond rather than react.

• Be ready to step in: If your child reports bullying, believe them, validate how they feel, and help them report or block the bully.

• Use resources: Visit StopBullying.gov for guidance on online safety. 

• Encourage alternative fun: Gaming is great, but so are offline activities, chats with friends, creative hobbies … a healthy balance helps.

How to Report Cyberbullying on Specific Platforms

While exact steps vary by platform, here are general tips:

• On Xbox/PlayStation/Nintendo: find the user profile → select Report or Block → choose reason (harassment, hate speech, etc).

• In games like Minecraft/Fortnite/Roblox, use the in-game menu or website to report players and, if possible, send screenshots.

• On PC / game chats: use the in-app report tools/platform’s support page.

• If threats are made (even outside the game), consider contacting your local authorities + the platform.

• Make sure you tell a trusted adult and save evidence (screenshots, chat logs, dates/times).

Hotlines & Help You Can Use Right Now

Here are trusted resources for help. If anything feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to use them.

• If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 (US) or your local emergency number.

• In the U.S.:

  
  

  • STOMP Out Bullying HelpChat – free, confidential online chat for youth ages 13-24. 

  • Find A Helpline – lists free bullying/cyberbullying hotlines. 

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for 24/7 support. 

  • Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline – 1-800-422-4453. 

  • National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTipline – 1-800-843-5678. 

Keep this list somewhere handy (phone, fridge, etc). You never know when it can help.

Gaming Should be Fun and Safe!

Gaming should be fun, exciting, and safe — not a place where you feel worried or scared. Whether you’re a kid playing or a parent helping them, you can take action against bullying. Use the tools, talk about what’s happening, set up safe settings, and report when needed. And remember — you’re not alone.

Let’s make our gaming spaces respectful, friendly, creative, and fun for everyone!!