« Keeping Online Communities Safe » | MCM's 1st (and only) Consultant Safeguarding Officer

[Ben_M]

Keeping online communities safe through our team of guardians​

"Minecraft: Grooming dangers for children online" BBC News, Jan 2017
"Tri-State teen receives disturbing video on Discord, mother says" FOX19, Sept 2020
"Children report spike in cyberbullying during lockdown with more time spent unsupervised online" FE News, Feb 2021

We all know, at times, moderating Minecraft servers and communities can be intense, overwhelming and complex. But moderators are there to serve a purpose. And that purpose is to keep players safe - particularly children and young people. This responsibility is known as safeguarding and it’s all about protecting community members from harm whilst they are playing on your servers and communicating on your platforms. Organisations that produce video games, for example, Mojang, have legal responsibilities to introduce safeguarding measures unlike the gaming communities within, however that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do all we can to keep players safe.

A lack of training, lack of supervision and ambiguous policies, procedures and guidance can make certain responsibilities taxing on even the most experienced moderator. Guardianship intends on enhancing online communities safeguarding arrangements, which both protects members from harm and supports moderators to feel more confident in their roles.

The Organisation
Guardianship is an up-and-coming social enterprise that pledges to:
• Raise awareness for safeguarding issues within online communities, big and small.
• Provide simple yet effective guidance and information for online communities to implement a commitment to safeguarding.
• Offer free and inexpensive services to carry out our mission.

Our Services
Any online community, big or small, is eligible for Guardianship’s free services.

+ Dedicated Safeguarding Officer
One of our guardians, an experienced safeguarding officer, will join your community staff team to take on lead responsibility for safeguarding arrangements. They will handle the day-to-day implementation of the safeguarding policies & procedures; and be a visible, active member of your community’s team.

+ Supervision & Mentoring
One of our guardians, an experienced safeguarding officer, will supervise the team member with lead responsibility for safeguarding arrangements. Your assigned guardian will provide supervision and mentoring in the form of guidance, support, training and advice.

+ Consultancy
Our team of guardians will provide advice and guidance to your community’s management team to ensure you are following best practice when it comes to your safeguarding commitment.

+ Resources
Our team of guardians will provide resources, documents, information and signposting to ensure you and your commitment to safeguarding are set up for success.

+ Much more!
Be sure to get in touch if you have an idea for a service you’d like us to offer.

Get In Touch
Discord: BenM#3704
Email: [email protected]
Alternatively, start a conversation with me on MCMarket.

Links to articles & documents referenced can, of course, be provided upon request.

 

[Nachtmaken]

Safe guarding is a nessary and needed practice for anything with young people.
Great to see someone offering this!
Coming from someone who deals with safeguarding within scouting. It is a practice to protect young people and provide the nessary steps and procautions to make sure they are safe. A vital thing every server should be mindful of.

 

[Chiii_]

Genuine question, not trying to be mean or anything. Why let children on the internet with little to no supervising at all? Why should others babysit them when it's their parent's responsibility to protect them from dangers? It's really nice of you of doing this, but I'm genuinely wondering why we should do their parents' work. Sorry again if this came off as rude, I can't word it in any other way.

 

[Nachtmaken]

Genuine question, not trying to be mean or anything. Why let children on the internet with little to no supervising at all? Why should others babysit them when it's their parent's responsibility to protect them from dangers? It's really nice of you of doing this, but I'm genuinely wondering why we should do their parents' work. Sorry again if this came off as rude, I can't word it in any other way.

Safe guarding is not to baby sitting people it is a provide the safe and necessary practice to keep young people safe whether they are 9 or 14. And, it is everyones responsiblity to make sure young people are safe not just the parents but the servers responsibility aswell. Isn't the idea of minecraft to make sure it's fun and safe for everyone? Thats what things like safe guarding ensure.

 

[Ben_M]

Genuine question, not trying to be mean or anything. Why let children on the internet with little to no supervising at all? Why should others babysit them when it's their parent's responsibility to protect them from dangers? It's really nice of you of doing this, but I'm genuinely wondering why we should do their parents' work. Sorry again if this came off as rude, I can't word it in any other way.

Hello Chiii_. No worries at all, I appreciate you reaching out to ask a question.

Safeguarding (a term simply meaning keeping people safe from harm) isn't about performing the role of a parent nor is it to shield children from every single danger. Safeguarding is, however, about every person who works with young people (including gaming community leaders) being able to recognise, respond, report & record any concerns.

As Nachtmaken has commented, Minecraft is a fun game that allows for the creation of so many amazing projects, friendships and communities. But sadly, as is the case with the online world, there are lots of risks that sometimes parents, carers, guardians aren't best placed to notice and respond to.

But, even if as your comment suggests, a parent was to notice a safeguarding issue on your server/community, would you be confident enough to appropriately respond in accordance with best practice?

That's where my knowledge comes in, safeguarding is about raising awareness, being proactive and being prepared.

I hope this answers your question! Feel free to ask any follow-ups via Discord DM, MCM Private Message or Email.

Ben

 

[Chiii_]

Hello Chiii_. No worries at all, I appreciate you reaching out to ask a question.

Safeguarding (a term simply meaning keeping people safe from harm) isn't about performing the role of a parent nor is it to shield children from every single danger. Safeguarding is, however, about every person who works with young people (including gaming community leaders) being able to recognise, respond, report & record any concerns.

As Nachtmaken has commented, Minecraft is a fun game that allows for the creation of so many amazing projects, friendships and communities. But sadly, as is the case with the online world, there are lots of risks that sometimes parents, carers, guardians aren't best placed to notice and respond to.

But, even if as your comment suggests, a parent was to notice a safeguarding issue on your server/community, would you be confident enough to appropriately respond in accordance with best practice?

That's where my knowledge comes in, safeguarding is about raising awareness, being proactive and being prepared.

I hope this answers your question! Feel free to ask any follow-ups via Discord DM, MCM Private Message or Email.

Ben

Thanks! That answers it. Cheers to you dude, and thank you Nachtmaken as well for elaborating. Hope more people will become aware of this!

 

[Ben_M]

QUOTE WHICH HAS SINCE BEEN REMOVED BY MODERATORS

I’ve debated responding to this, but decided I would do so whilst waiting for moderators to review your message.

First, absolutely no respect to you for trashing this thread by posting such a serious allegation.

Albeit a malicious comment, your message has shared light on one of the major risks of the online world. Are there ways to know whether volunteers or staff who hold positions of trust in your community are suitable for the role? Absolutely. Do communities have written policies and procedures for safer recruitment? Usually no. Are communities that work with children vulnerable to people wanting to misuse the platform? Absolutely.

It’s good you recognise the potential risks of bringing someone into your community’s trust - whether that be a moderator, manager or safeguarding officer.

With all clients, I’m more than happy to discuss my experience, training & vetting checks before you decide to bring me on board/make a decision. You can email me at [email protected]

Likewise, allegations against myself (or, in the future, a volunteer of my team) raised in a formal manner will of course be treated professionally and appropriately in accordance with best practice.

I’d ask, however, that you think before you post and see whether your message is appropriate or acceptable.

Ben

 

[Alexx]

top tier response, much respect.

He just gave him a Chris Brown wombo combo in the best way possible.

 

[Wezel]

top tier response, much respect.

Im curious what the guy said now

 

[OAliverpool]

Im curious what the guy said now

same and who I feel late to the party, however this looks like a solid service and props to you for offering it for free. Good luck man!

 

[Juio]

Vouch for BenM, he's currently assisting us on SpaceMC and his services are incredibly professional and real!

 

[Alistair F.]

I've worked with Ben previously, can vouch for his work ethic towards the gaming community and the safety of those who delve into the world of the internet. I'm glad someone has finally spoken up and taken on the mantle of offering this kind of service, I only wish you the best and I'm always happy to lend a helping hand with this if it's ever needed, reach out at anytime: Alistair#4081

 

[Ben_M]

Thread updated! New logo coming soon.

Thank you all so much for your support and vouches. Together we've reached ~500 people, accomplished 10+ replies, achieved 5 winner reactions and supported numerous clients all in the space of just over a week.

Be sure to reach out if you're interested in getting involved either as a client, volunteer or supporter

Ben

 

[Sentaku]

i messaged you i am so sorry Utopiverse Network has kept me very busy lol