
SaveTNet Cyber Safety NPC is putting the spotlight on safer online gaming at the upcoming Vodacom rAge 2019 Expo taking place from 27 to 29 September at the Ticketpro Dome, Johannesburg.
Referred to as one of Joburg’s biggest and most exciting interactive events showcasing the best in gaming, cosplay, geek culture, tech and esports, Vodacom rAge 2019 will also offer a Microsoft rAge Stage where various industry leaders will share their online and tech messages including Microsoft, SaveTNet Cyber Safety, Africa Electronic Sport Association (AESA) and ACER.

Rianette Leibowitz, Cyber Safety Change Agent, Brand South Africa Play Your Part Ambassador, and SaveTNet CEO will take the Microsoft rAge Stage on Saturday, 28 September, from 12h00 to 12h30 to talk about safer online gaming. Leibowitz will share the SaveTNet message on how to choose the best age-appropriate games, whom to play with and whom to ignore, online time management and risk of addiction, and what to do when being cyberbullied or harassed.
“While the industry is offering many solutions in terms of applications and software, we need to ensure that we consider the safety element. That’s why we collaborate with SaveTNet to both support their efforts and echo the cybersafety message”, says Celeste la Grange, Microsoft Channel Sales Lead for CDS South Africa.
Leibowitz adds: “With the staggering growth seen in the gaming and esports industry, we are excited to play an active role to create awareness for online safety and to let gamers and parents know that SaveTNet is here to help should they ever experience cyberbullying or any other cyber-related incidents. Gaming should be fun, and that is why we join forces with organisations such as AESA to add another safety layer.”
Earlier in 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) added ‘gaming disorder’ to its list of modern diseases, listing gaming addiction as potentially harmful technology-related behaviour.
Founder of AESA and retired pro-gamer, Ryan Macquet shares: “As AESA we believe one of the core foundations to a healthy and fun digital experience, whether casual gaming or professional, is to ensure that digital safety is a top priority. We are proud to partner with SaveTNet to help our parents, young adults and children find comfort that gaming online should hold the same legal grounds as it does offline.”
“It is time for companies to play an active role and to consider cybersafety as a corporate social investment area of focus, supporting SaveTNet initiatives to influence communities positively,” says Leibowitz. “We also encourage the gaming community to be responsible digital citizens.”
SaveTNet offers a network of specialists for anyone who has been affected by cybercrime or cyber-related issue. “While we help cybercrime victims for free daily, we are encouraging experts (forensic analysts, psychologists, legal advisors) to collaborate with us to ensure that we continue to be the safety net for anyone who is in trouble,” concludes Leibowitz.
About SaveTNet Cyber Safety NPC:

SaveTNet Cyber Safety is a registered non-profit organisation promoting safer internet usage by creating awareness for responsible digital engagement. We help victims of cyber-crime and cyber-bullying through our partner NETwork of accredited psychologists, forensic analysts, the right people at The South African Police Services (SAPS) and legal advisors. SaveTNet Cyber Safety aims to save lives by being the first point of reference for anyone who requires cyber-safety information or help, no matter how small or big the issue is.
Website: http://www.savetnet.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaveTNetSA/
Twitter: @SaveTNet
Instagram: @SaveTNet