Protecting the most vulnerable ones online
As families return from summer holidays to their screens and routines, it is important to remember the most vulnerable children in the digital world. Research has shown that neurodiverse children spend more time with digital content compared to their neurotypical peers. Game worlds offer experiences of success that they may not experience outside the screen.
Video Games: A Double-Edged Sword
Games and digital content provide an environment that teaches useful skills, where children enjoy themselves and feel successful. At the same time, neurodiverse children are more prone to problematic gaming. To maximize the benefits and minimize the harms associated with gaming, neurodiverse children need special support for healthy gaming habits.
Game Education as Part of the Hobby Palette
At its best, a game educator is a companion and guide for children in the digital world, and an educational support for parents, with whom they can discuss their child's beloved hobby and guide it towards healthy practices. A game educator can see many aspects of a child in the game world that may go unnoticed by parents.
When gaming is harnessed as a tool for development, many problems can be avoided, and neurodiverse children can learn skills that might otherwise seem almost impossible. Sonja Lappalainen, a game educator at School of Gaming, notes that even if neurodiverse children have communication challenges or normally do not want to participate in group activities in the classroom, they can successfully complete group tasks and experience shared successes in the game world.
Video Gaming: A Hobby Like Any Other
"Gaming is a hobby like any other and should be approached as such. Just like in ice hockey or motor racing, you can even aim for a future career in video gaming. And just like in traditional hobbies, you get more out of it in a guided environment," summarizes Mikko Perälä, Princi-Pal of School of Gaming. Additionally, for neurodiverse children, playing alone can be too intense and lead to hyperfocus or difficulty disengaging from the game. Playing guided games with familiar friends under agreed rules enhances the social aspect of the hobby and enables learning and doing together in a safe environment.
Minecraft: A Safe "Sandbox"
Minecraft is like a digital sandbox where everyone can build and create their own games and play. The sandbox environment offers a less stressful space where children can try social skills, make mistakes, and learn from them in a controlled setting. This is particularly effective for neurodiverse children as it allows them to engage in self-directed play, supporting independence and creativity. This approach helps hone children's social skills and increase self-confidence, which are critical areas of development for neurodiverse children.
A Special Game Club for Neurodiverse Children
School of Gaming's Minecraft club for neurodiverse children starts in August. This online hobby club, conducted through Minecraft, is specifically designed to support and improve the self-esteem and communication skills of neurodiverse children in social situations.
Perälä believes that the neurodiversity-friendly game club addresses the downsides of gaming: “Research evidence, along with our own experiences running Minecraft clubs in partnership with the Tampere Autism Association, suggests that incorporating Minecraft into therapeutic and educational methods can be a beneficial strategy for supporting neurodiverse children. We have seen how significant game education is for many children and want to offer a helping hand to parents struggling with their child's gaming hobby.”
About School of Gaming
School of Gaming is a Finnish online digital hobby provider, founded in 2020, that teaches children future skills through popular video games such as Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite. Our safe, friendly, and fun gaming community always welcomes new members.
The neurodiversity-friendly Minecraft club officially starts in August. Registration is now open, and spots are limited to ensure a quality experience for each participant. Interested parents can find more information and register on our website at: "Neurodiversity Friendly Minecraft Club (9-12 yo) (sog.gg)".
Also you can read more about the subject and research from our Princi-Pal’s earlier blog post: How Minecraft Enhances Skills in Neurodiverse Children Unlocking Their Potential (sog.gg)
FOR MEDIA - PLEASE CONTACT:
Mikko Perälä, Princi-Pal of School of Gaming
Email: mikko /a/ sog.gg
Phone: +358 407453749