ghadilli
[...] Both in terms of policing inappropriate behavior from potential predators, as well as educating kids on how to stay safe in a community so beset with, frankly, freaks and losers.
[...] As funny as it is to imagine mandatory sexual misconduct training for invite players, I don't think that's feasible or likely to be effective.
Prevention at our level is difficult because the issue goes beyond the borders of TF2. A lot of these exchanges also tend to be secretive--which means that by the time they are caught it's deep in the rabbit hole. I think that makes a lot of community members feel that the bulk of this interaction is reactive so when the response is lack-luster, it makes it all the more obtuse.
TF2CC sees a lot of new and often young players through our step in the pipeline into the competitive community, especially with the Newbie Cup. We try to host classes when we have the resources to on topics relevant to their journey, including one on mental health. Would players be interested in an online safety guide for both adults and minors? Maybe it would help create a standardized language and model specific to our realm for discussing a concern like this.
In that vein I'd also like to show my appreciation for the shared experiences in this thread despite the weight you all might be carrying from it. If something like the above was made I think it should definitely have persons impacted as consultants.
To set expectations though, it would not be completed for a long while. I especially would not want to create the bulk of this project without better education and certification(s) as the ones I have under my belt are not relevant the subject matter.
I would also love for our community to be more disciplined with the engagement of players who negatively impact this environment. From those who maintain their association with disgusting players and or share harmful media along with rhetoric. Your compass should not just be defined by who has red text on their league profile. Many people will admit privately that they will play on a team, especially a good one so long as the team members are not banned.