Virtual reality (VR) almost places the users inside an experience, instead of simply observing it or talking about it by using traditional films or conversations. Such experiences induce empathy and can be used to obtain new skills and psychosocial abilities. Young people can experiment with ways of stopping a bullying incident and feel empowered through this experience.
This project is aimed at improving practices in youth work in the field of countering bullying, violence, segregation and discrimination amongst youth.
Firstly, through the Comprehensive study of best anti-bullying practices we will obtain overview of regional, national and European successful practices including procedures, methodologies and tools in countering bullying with the greatest focus on the use of modern technologies as a tool in youth work. Afterwards, based on the findings of the Study, we will develop an Innovative tool for countering bullying, which will include a VR game, a Workshop Curriculum and Training materials for youth workers, that will enable youth workers’ more structured and high quality work in the field of countering bullying. An integral part of the workshop curriculum will be an immersive VR game, developed through this project, aimed to induce empathy in young people for the bullying victims, helping them better understand the consequences bullying has on victims and empowering them to counter bullying in their environments.
Project dates: September 2018 – June 2020
Partnership organizations:
Sirius – Centre for psychological counseling, education and research – [email protected]
Liepaja University – Art research laboratory – [email protected]
The Simile of the Child – [email protected]
Spektrum Educational Centre – [email protected]