The ThinknDrinkn game
A computer game based on the dangers of binge drinking has been developed by pupils fromS1 students at Paisley Grammar School and St Andrew's Academy designed the concept, features and sound effects for the ThinknDrinkn game, writing and recording their own song to go with it. It is estimated more than a third of 15-year-olds binge drink every week and the game aims to tackle alcohol abuse.
In the game, the players have to find and help a friend who has been drinking and whose condition is constantly deteriorating. Game players will have to provide fluids and food to a drunk friend and either take them home or to hospital, avoiding obstacles including youth gangs along the way. They will also have to answer various questions related to alcohol misuse and can use links to useful websites to find relevant information.
The project was developed with the help the University of the West of Scotland's School of Computing. It will also go on Glow, the national schools intranet, to be used by schools all over Scotland and can be used on mobile phones. Authorities are considering the format for other teen problems
One pupil said: "Children like games, so I think they'd play it and enjoy it and maybe think to choose differently, because its quite cool to play the game but not to drink."
A teacher noted the project had covered issues of how drink can affect teenagers' health, social status and their relationships with their families. "In the testing stages they've really enjoyed it because it's a game that's been created by children - what we tried to do was create a realistic scenario in a city-scape, rather than just a game. We wanted it to be real to them."
Renfrewshire Council is now examining how the game could be used as a template to develop campaigns surrounding other issues, including drugs, gambling and sexual health.
Source:http://news.bbc.co.uk/
Web video: http://tinyurl.com/2dmo4e