Investigators have linked the minors who were responsible in the school shooting at Tacloban to the game called GoreBox.

Without a shadow of doubt, GoreBox is a violent game. It’s a physics-driven game where players can create maps full of contraptions to destroy objects and obliterate other players. Despite having block-like graphics, depictions of violence and gore are high.

The game is available for download in the Play Store. However, there are warnings that it is designed for 18+ for its violent content. Minors have no business downloading the game to begin with.

How do kids discover such games anyway? It could have been anywhere. It could have been from Roblox, Discord, or from that one friend they see every now and then. It could have appeared in an ad or in the search results. There is no telling for sure, especially in an era where everything and anything is easily accessible.

GoreBox has had controversies outside the Philippines. Earlier this year, a Singaporean boy discovered extremist views through GoreBox, prompting him to do research, where his search algorithm pushed more extremist content into his feed. Eventually, he'd pledge his allegiance and considered himself a member of the group.

By the sound of it, this is one of the reasons why algorithms are bad for discoverability. Once you search a topic, more and more of the same content gets pushed to the feed, effectively trapping users in a bubble.

Since earlier this year, the developers of GoreBox have removed multiplayer functions as they struggle to combat bots, security vulnerabilities, and exploiters.

But let’s circle back to topics of violence and videogames if there are any correlations. While there have been multiple studies that point out that violent videogames may cause temporary aggression in teenagers and adolescents, there are some things to consider: First, most of the research points at “aggressive” behavior, and not necessarily “violent.” The difference of the two is that aggression is a behavior, it could span from being rude or being angry and showing it. Violence is when severe action is taken with the intent to cause harm. While violence falls under aggression, aggression isn’t necessarily violent. Secondly, as I’ve noted earlier, violent games are catered to adults, they are rated M, for people only 18 and above. Minors have no business playing violent videogames.

Oxford conducted research about violence and videogames and found that there is little correlation between aggression in adolescents and violent videogames. They pointed out that previous researches have researcher biases, which may have distorted the effects of violence of videogames.

Look, if videogames are the problem, violent incidents would be more common. And, while I have little to no evidence of what I’m about to say, this is merely from day to day observations, but it seems we see more violence borne out of alcohol.

The underlying problem is not the videogames themselves. But who are playing these games and who people interact with. We have written articles in the past about Roblox being a platform for people with malicious intentions to groom minors into committing acts of violence. This is that article and this one. The former of the two is about the PNP rescuing seven minors who were being groomed into committing a school shooting and arson.

These groomers can be anywhere in the world, and they have been grooming these children for at least five years.

As parents, educators, and friends, what can we do? What can we do to protect children and society? We have this resource that talks about the different types of grooming and how to spot them.

It is crucial that just because a game has characters that look child-friendly does not automatically mean it is a child friendly game. The same with content found in YouTube Kids. Because it is in a space meant for children demands more attention and scrutiny. Watch what they are watching, spot anything that looks off, and talk to them, explain things in a way that would make them understand what they are watching is not good. Kids will resist, that’s from experience, but they will listen when explained carefully.

Why did I even bring up YouTube Kids? For starters, some content there is just evil in disguise. Second, YouTubers play all sorts of games. Yes, even ones in YouTube Kids, while they mostly play the typical Roblox and Minecraft content, kids will be interested in these games, and they will learn all about mods and all sorts of other content. This is their gateway. This is kids beginning to explore the digital world. They will find things that they are not prepared for, or barely even understand. They may see something funny, but is it really funny? You may need to step in to check them out yourself.

If you find it doubtful that kids can find all kinds of stuff. I need you as a grown up to think back to your childhood. Think of the times when you have the internet all for yourself unsupervised. No internet? Cause only people with money could afford to have dial up? Fine, what about computer shops? What about that friend who discovered something and started sharing? Mind you, this was a time when the internet was safe. Rather, significantly safer than what it is now.

There should be a safe space between kids and parents or guardians. Kids must not be afraid to tell things to their parents, so the parent can help guide kids.

Now I know that sounds all idealistic BS. Not all parents have the time to do any of them, many have working parents. Yes, that is understandable, which is why it is important to have a foundation of trust, so during those times where they can communicate, such things can be discussed.

At the same time, and perhaps this is my own naivete, but schools should be able to open more programs for safe spaces for children where they would be allowed to express themselves and openly speak their mind. Groomers will do everything in their power to isolate their victims. Yes, groomers typically only chat with children, but they are experts in manipulation and persuasion, their words can be powerful, especially when they find the right victim. It is important to ensure children must not feel alone, they must know they are loved and cared for. It’s cheesy, it’s a typical Power of Friendship kind of thing, yes, but it is effective in building a community for kids that can be trusted.

Continued education and awareness in how predators and groomers target children, red flags to spot, and learning how to counteract grooming purposes.

Children are sponges. They will absorb everything. Best to stay ahead as much as possible, so they themselves will be more prepared to protect themselves. Sometimes, it’s simply hearing them out and understanding them that can make a difference.