Esports

Overview

Schools and settings should be prepared to respond to the growing interest in esports as a digital activity that can support:

• learning
• engagement
• well-being

This means understanding both the:

• opportunities esports can offer learners
• responsibilities involved in managing associated risks

Practitioners who choose to use esports in education should do so in ways that are inclusive, purposeful and safe. All participation must be age-appropriate and aligned with:

• safeguarding policies
• school values
• educational priorities

The connectivity provided by the public sector broadband aggregation (PSBA) esports solution meets the Connectivity Standard of the education digital standards (EDS). However, while it enables access to specified online games, standard filtering and monitoring may not apply. Active supervision is therefore essential. Further guidance is available through the EDS on Hwb.

Technical staff or IT leads should play a key role in supporting safe implementation, particularly in relation to:

• cyber security
• filtering
• monitoring

Where schools use external education technology support partners, it is essential these partners:

• are aware of the school’s requirements
• comply with relevant policies

Schools should also audit these services to ensure compliance.
All esports systems and platforms should be configured to meet:

• organisational security
• oversight requirements

Schools may also wish to refer to the Esports Wales Code of Conduct for guidance on competition standards and fair play.

Opportunities through esports in schools

Schools, as part of curriculum design, need to think carefully about:

• the learning they want to see
• the purpose of that learning
• how different knowledge, skills and experiences across the curriculum can contribute to their learners’ development

Having gone through this process, schools may wish to use digital entertainment as a context for learning and engagement. However, we would expect the activity to:

• be purposeful
• be appropriate to the learning
• have intrinsic educational value

Esports can be a dynamic and inclusive platform for learners to develop a wide range of skills and experiences that extend far beyond gameplay. When implemented thoughtfully, esports can:

• support digital competence
• support well-being
• support learner voice
• support future readiness
• promote inclusivity and community engagement

Learner development and recognition

Esports can provide new avenues for recognising learner success, including:

• in-game skill and strategic thinking
• leadership and team roles
• collaboration and communication
• personal growth and resilience

Schools can celebrate these achievements through:

• assemblies
• newsletters
• digital portfolios
• live-streamed matches

Involving learners in shaping their team’s values, expectations, and code of conduct can also foster ownership and accountability.

This might include:

• co-creating team charters
• setting goals for respectful online behaviour
• reflecting on team dynamics and sportsmanship

These approaches support principles of the Curriculum for Wales by promoting:

• ethical, informed citizens
• ambitious, capable learners

Digital literacy, cross-curricular and enrichment opportunities

Esports can complement other digital learning experiences, including:

• Digital Competence Framework (DCF) activities
• cross-curricular projects involving storytelling, coding or design

These connections can help embed esports within a broader digital learning strategy. It also provides a real-world context for:

• teaching digital citizenship
• promoting responsible online behaviour

Inclusivity and accessibility

Esports can be inclusive of learners who may not engage with traditional sports, including:

• those with physical disabilities
• neurodiverse learners
• those who experience social anxiety

Esports can offer:

• a level playing field for all abilities
• opportunities for mixed-gender and inclusive teams
• safe spaces for underrepresented groups in gaming

Schools can also explore creating dedicated events or teams to support diversity and inclusion.

Community and school engagement

Esports can strengthen school and community connections by:

• involving families through viewing events or newsletters
• hosting inter-school or regional tournaments
• encouraging learners to take on leadership roles such as team captain or event organiser

These activities help build confidence, responsibility and a sense of belonging.

Considerations for school staff

Esports can be a powerful and positive experience for learners, but it must be implemented with:

• care
• professionalism
• a strong safeguarding framework

Staff play a vital role in:

• modelling appropriate behaviour
• ensuring safe participation
• aligning activities with school values and policies

Safeguarding, supervision and online conduct

All esports activities must comply with:

• school safeguarding policies
• the Welsh Government’s online safety guidance

Staff should:

• use secure platforms
• ensure appropriate supervision during online play, particularly when learners are interacting with others

Maintain clear professional boundaries in digital spaces. Staff should not engage with learners through personal accounts or unsanctioned platforms.

Any incidents involving misuse, data breaches or inappropriate conduct must be reported immediately in line with school procedures.

Monitor online interactions during esports sessions and report any concerns promptly.

Encourage learners to reflect on their digital behaviour and understand the impact of their actions on others.

Promote respectful communication, good sportsmanship and positive online reputation management.

Age ratings and appropriate content

• Ensure all games used are age-appropriate and suitable for the school context.
• Refer to Hwb’s app guides for families for information on age ratings, terminology, risks and parental controls.

Parental or carer engagement

• Parental or carer consent should be obtained for participation, particularly where online interaction or streaming is involved.
• Communication with learners and families should always be through approved school channels only.

Screen time and healthy participation

• Support learners in balancing screen time with rest, hydration and sleep.
• Staff can use training plans and well-being trackers to encourage healthy routines.
• Be alert to signs of fatigue, stress or over-engagement. Signpost learners to support where needed.

Inclusivity and accessibility

• Ensure all esports activities are inclusive and reflect the school’s values.
• Consider accessibility needs and provide opportunities for all learners to participate, including those with additional learning needs or disabilities.
• Promote gender-inclusive teams and safe spaces for underrepresented groups.

Infrastructure and policy alignment

• Ensure local authority policies are followed, particularly around filtering and monitoring.
• The connectivity provided by the PSBA esports solution may allow access to online games that are not subject to standard web filtering mechanisms. Supervision is therefore essential at all times.
• Consider using a risk assessment template for events or regular sessions.
• Align with the education digital standards (EDS) for connectivity, security, and platform use.
• Be mindful of the web filtering considerations should Apple (iOS) devices be used.

Cyber-crime awareness

In addition to reinforcing ethical behaviours, learners should also be educated about the legal boundaries of online behaviour. This includes the risks of:

• using cheat tools
• hacking
• engaging in cyber-enabled crime

Stay informed by seeking out cyber-crime awareness resources such as the Computer Misuse and Cyber Choices Policy Template.

Considerations for organisers

If your school is organising an esports competition or event, it is essential to ensure that all activities are:

• inclusive
• safe
• aligned with school and local authority policies

Organisers play a key role in:

• setting the tone and expectations for participants
• creating a positive, well-managed environment

Planning and preparation

• Set clear expectations for learner behaviour and ethics, digital conduct and sportsmanship.
• Complete a thorough risk assessment for the event. This should include supervision, safeguarding, and technical considerations.
• Ensure appropriate levels of adult supervision are in place throughout the event, both online and in person.
• Safeguarding should be at the forefront of all planning and delivery.
• Promote gender-inclusive teams. Ensure the environment is welcoming to underrepresented groups in gaming.
• Consider offering beginner-friendly formats or alternative roles (for example, team management) to widen participation.
• Ensure the event setup complies with your school’s digital infrastructure policies and the EDS.
• If using the PSBA esports solution, be aware that access to online games may not be subject to standard filtering and monitoring. Active supervision is essential.
• Display rules and expectations clearly at the venue and online, and ensure all participants are aware of them.

Working with external organisations

If external organisations are involved (for example to support delivery, provide equipment, or run tournaments), ensure they:

• understand and comply with your school’s safeguarding policies
• have appropriate DBS checks and insurance in place
• are briefed on your expectations for learner conduct and inclusion

Expectations for learners

Learners participating in esports should understand what is expected of them in terms of:

• behaviour
• communication
• digital responsibility

These expectations should be clearly communicated and reinforced through:

• team discussions
• charters
• acceptable use agreements

Support for young people

Support for schools

Support for families

Views from the experts

Help and support

• Report an online issue
• Confidential advice and support