Copyright

Sarah Fletcher

Summary

To help children use digital technology they are at ease with out of and in school to help them gain confidence in their learning, a sense of security and emotional intelligence in dealing with bullying.

Description

I want to help children to realise they can learn to deal with bullying through a software game programme eg every time they choose a suitable strategy in a simulation, they see the bully diminish in stature – as they learn coping s/he shrinks! I want this game to be available on a mobile phone. Linked to this I want children to have moderated access to a VLE where they can access support and learn from former bullies why they bully and what deters them from this. I also want mobile phones to link to internet sites where they can get skilled advice so they feel empowered. They can send videos of how they feel and keep in touch with buddy mentors.

How it might be used

I feel bullied and I am down. I don’t know what to do or who to turn to. I have my mobile phone – let’s run through the game – what are my options? Do I have choices? I can see the bully become less fearsome as I choose how to deal with the situation. I can video my account of how I feel and send it to a buddy-mentor in the VLE I have password access to. It’s no use just telling someone else – I need to know how to deal with this and as I already know how to connect via my mobile (and my MP3) I am not alone. I can learn to believe in me too. Other people get bullied – in the game there are ideas for how they cope. I am addicted to games – they give me the company I need but there is a person on hand in the VLE as well. I can text – I am quick at that. I have a list of numbers in my phone to ring if I get into trouble. Before I make a move that might make matters worse I can rehearse in the game.

Contact

Sarah Fletcher

Mentor2Mentor Consultancy
Milsom House
32 Elliston Drive
Bath BA2 1LU

sjfmentor@yahoo.com