Gaming is very much embedded in the culture of young people today, allowing them to escape and construct, create and conquer in a fantasy virtual world. Millions of people play video games worldwide: Online comparison site, Uswitch.com recently stated that there are “10.84 million gamers in the UK, and a forecasted 6.64% community increase by 2027.”
However, gaming is not always presented in the best light. It can be criticised for being an activity that does more harm than good. There are continuous debates about whether gaming is negatively impacting on our youth.
MindJam is an organisation that recognises the benefits of video games, particularly for young people with SEND, (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). They offer gaming support sessions to provide, “Emotional and SEN support for young people through gaming, game design and digital skills.”
What can Gaming Offer Children with SEND?
Gaming can quite literally be a game-changer, offering a ray of light, introducing a new world where SEND young people can explore:
- Creativity and empathy
- Literacy
- Construction
- Problem-solving
- Fine motor skills
- Critical thinking
- Decision making
Gaming can additionally create the following experiences:
- Competing in a safe space
- Social Interaction
- Leadership and Teamwork
- Emotional Regulation
- Entertainment
- A Sense of Control
- Exploration and Freedom
- Motivation and Engagement
Children with SEND can face challenges more intensely than the neurotypical community; they may struggle with communication, social interaction, learning and forming friendships.
Gaming presents a potential new world for children with SEND, freeing them of many daily pressures, paving the way for a freer, exciting experience where they can gain confidence and self-esteem, playing with like-minded people in a mutually understood virtual world.
Through gaming, children with SEND have the independence to experience something without any fears of judgement or social expectations from others. As such children digest new learning experiences which can translate into long-term benefits.
The Benefits of Gaming
At MindJam, Senior SEND Mentor, Adam Rowe works with young people with a range of SEND. He and his colleagues provide one to one flexible, low-demand sessions to help students regulate their emotions through a world of gaming, game design and digital skills.
Dan Clark, MindJam CEO/Founder
Adam Rowe; Senior Mentor at MindJam
Adam explains, “Daniel Clark set up MindJam four years ago. I joined him soon after it began. Initially there were about five of us – now we have 150 mentors and work with 3,000 young people”
With an understanding of the neurodivergent community, Dan, Adam and their colleagues provide mentorship and support to boost the emotional well-being of people aged 6-25 years as they interact through the platform of gaming to bond and develop a solid, trusting relationship.
MindJam mentoring is an innovative approach to providing the right support for young people, who are struggling with aspects of their lives, in a low-demand, child-led way; helping them to realise their incredible potential
Adam describes how the system works, “Following an initial referral we then put out a questionnaire to the young person to get to know them. We can then connect them to the best mentor that matches their needs. From that point it is about building a foundation of trust. Sessions operate in a safe space where hopefully the young person feels less guarded.
“Sessions are weekly, at the same time each week”, Adam continues. “We are there to provide continuity and familiarity. Sessions are very much child-led; if a young person wishes to talk about something specific, they are free to do so.”
Children, teenagers and young adults will have differing needs including Autism, PDA, ADHD, anxiety, stress and trauma. Via a mutual passion for video games, mentors at MindJam create an atmosphere that is safe, nurturing and free of expectations.
If a child becomes dysregulated during a session, Adam conveys that, “The great thing about having a mentor is they can help the person by gently pointing out the positives so that they are able to understand a situation in another way.”
Young people can learn a wide range of skills, some of which are:
- Gaming
- Social skills
- Engagement
- Motor skills
- Empathy and understanding
- Memory
- Taking/giving direction
- Digital Skills
- Game design and coding
- Art
- Music
- STEM skills
Adam explains, “Many skills are transferable to technical, creative, marketing, and management industries.”
MindJam is aware of the importance of online safety. Adam states, “Sometimes young people are massively aware when something online is not right for them,” explains Adam. “Then there are others with less awareness; it depends on the person. Mentors are always available to discuss online safety issues. In addition, on our website we have online safety tips for young people and adults with links to all the websites where they can learn more about online safety.”
Summing up, Adam affirms that, “Our main thing is emotional support; to provide a stepping stone back to engaging with an educational provision, therapies, or the next phase in their life. Everything else is a bonus.
“We see so much that is positive; we get to see long-term growth, which could range from a young person being able to better regulate their emotions and grow in confidence and self-esteem, through to seeing people go on to join the workforce or to university, when there may have once been doubt that this would have been possible. It is a very rewarding job.”
Please note: The information provided within this blog, by SENsational Tutors, is for general information purposes only. We appreciate that every person is unique and any advice/experiences mentioned within the content of each blog may not be reflective of your own personal experience. All information on the site is provided in good faith and is for educational informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with appropriate professionals.
