Gaming programme aims to return school-refusing children to class

A new gaming-based programme in Sorø Municipality is helping children experiencing school refusal rebuild confidence and return to education, DR reports. The Respawn programme, run by Sørby E-sport, welcomed its first two pupils on Monday.

Children can play games including Call of Duty, Minecraft and Rocket League as part of a tailored programme designed to create a safe environment and build relationships.

“There is relationship-building in allowing children to do what they like best. When they sit at the computer, some of their barriers can fall away and they can relax,” said Mark Kristensen, director of Sørby E-sport.

The aim is for the children and young people to return to their regular schools. Respawn is not intended to be a permanent offer, Kristensen said, but a stepping stone towards school.

Gaming combined with lessons

The pupils will also receive lessons in Danish, English and mathematics. During the first two or three weeks, they will get used to attending a daily programme and building relationships with the adults around them.

They will then begin a gamified teaching programme that incorporates the games they play. Mathematics could involve counting the number of shots in a magazine, while Danish lessons could ask pupils to reflect on a game they have just played, said Jesper Lund, who is responsible for the school-related part of Respawn.

Teaching is not the programme’s main objective. Staff want the pupils to leave their bedrooms gradually and build relationships with teachers and other pupils.

“Teaching comes afterwards. When a child feels well, both in terms of relationships and general wellbeing, there is a much better chance of successful learning and of getting along with others,” said Lund, who is also a trained pedagogue.

Community is the measure of success

Two more pupils will join the programme next week. Its classroom can accommodate 12 pupils, although the organisers hope that six or seven will attend at the same time.

Frederikke Skaaning Knage, a researcher specialising in school refusal, said it made sense to use environments where young people already feel comfortable.

“This is an issue that calls for adults who want and are able to be present for these children. So I think it is a very good idea for esports associations to become involved,” she said.

She said the children should have opportunities to experience success, master something and find a community where they feel they belong.

Maria Olsen, an education counsellor in Sorø Municipality, said success would not be measured only by how many young people entered the programme. It would also be measured by whether they formed new communities, experienced improved wellbeing and felt they belonged somewhere.