Cyberbullying via gaming has grown alongside online multiplayer games. Unlike social media bullying, it occurs in real time via voice chat — making it more intense and harder to document.
Harassment ranges from verbal abuse and slurs to coordinated campaigns where groups join to exclude or humiliate a specific child. Discord servers are frequently used to escalate abuse outside the game environment.
Malaysia's proposed under-16 social media ban (being debated in 2025–2026) highlights growing concern about platform harms. Platforms including TikTok and Meta have introduced enhanced parental controls in 2026, though enforcement gaps remain. Because gaming is often seen as safe leisure, parents may not realise bullying is occurring until a child starts avoiding games they previously loved, or shows signs of distress after sessions.