Bullying remains a critical issue in schools, prompting the exploration of innovative solutions like virtual reality (VR). Unlike traditional anti-bullying programs, which may not engage older students effectively, VR offers immersive experiences where students can truly feel the impact of bullying. By significantly reducing psychological distance through simulated environments, VR encourages empathy and perspective-taking among students. A recent pilot study in Midwest middle schools demonstrated that these immersive scenarios not only fostered a deeper understanding of bullying's emotional weight but also increased students' willingness to intervene in such situations. However, adaptations are needed for cyber and relational bullying scenarios.
By immersing users in simulated environments, VR can dramatically reduce psychological distance, the mental gap we feel from events or people who seem distant or abstract to us.
A recent pilot trial conducted in Midwest middle schools in the United States tested a groundbreaking VR-enhanced bullying prevention curriculum, encouraging students to adopt different perspectives.
#bullying-prevention #virtual-reality #education-technology #empathy-development #psychological-distance
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