As human beings, we take on responsibilities for our personal lives from the moment we wake up until we lay our heads to sleep. With responsibilities to families, jobs, and the community, we adopt a level of responsibility that is much bigger than ourselves. Developing a sense of social responsibility in society would usually start at home; however, as educators, we must also instill the basics of social responsibility for the student to be successful outside of the classroom; especially when interacting with their peers. For example, Pérez-Ordás et al. (2020) use the model of physical education and specific activities to promote teamwork, collaboration, and communication.
As a video gamer, we have a social responsibility in our respective online communities being kind to one another, and when the time comes and the opportunity presents itself, to use our platforms for good and making a difference in the world. For instance, video game streamers have come together and used their platforms to raise funds for various causes. In 2020, RareDrop Co. raised $6 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Gurwin, 2020).
As educators, part of our responsibility to our students also includes serving those who may be underserved. Stewart (2004) describes instances where barriers such as physical and psychological handicaps and geographic separation were some of the main reasons populations are underserved as far as attaining an appropriate level of education. Therefore, as educators, we have an ethical responsibility to the students we serve and society as a whole to bridge that gap where education is lacking.
Developing a sense of social responsibility in and out of the classroom will significantly impact the students socially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually and those with whom they will interact daily. When reflecting on social responsibility, Hebrews 10:24 (English Standard Version) "and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." I try my best to set an example for my family and those under my instruction. As a former military member, having a sense of responsibility to your fellow Airman, Sailor, Marine, or Soldier reinforces that the mission does not get accomplished by you alone; it is those around you that create an effective team. In the end, we desire to serve not only our families but our communities across the globe.
References
English Standard Bible. (2001). https://www.biblegateway.com/
Gurwin, G. (2020). The GCX charity event raises more than $6 million for St. Jude's children's hospital. https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gcx-charity-event-raises-more-than-6-million-for-s/1100-6478773/#:~:text=Florida-based%20gaming%20event%20GCX%20has%20thus%20far%20raised,Gurwin%20on%20June%2021%2C%202020%20at%201%3A00PM%20PDT
Pérez-Ordás, R., Pozo, P., & Grao-Cruces, A. (2020). Effects on aggression and social responsibility by teaching personal and social responsibility during physical education. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 20(4), 1832-1838. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2020.04248
Stewart, B. L. (2004). Online learning: A strategy for social responsibility in educational access. The Internet and Higher Education, 7(4), 299-310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iheduc.2004.09.003