A novel therapy utilizing virtual technology is currently undergoing trials to assist teenagers grappling with anxiety and those facing difficulty attending school. Cardiff Youth Service, a branch of Cardiff council’s education department, collaborated on the testing and development of a mobile app employing augmented reality (AR) as an intervention for anxiety and social isolation. Preliminary findings suggest that the technology, slated for pilot programs in select schools in Cardiff and Swansea, has led to an “enhanced social connection” and decreased levels of anxiety. The Children’s Commissioner for Wales expressed support for any initiative that engages young individuals and aids their emotional well-being.
Augmented reality (AR) provides an interactive experience in which the real-world environment is enhanced with computer-generated content. Counsellor Angela Mcmillan, the brains behind the AR therapy app, drew inspiration from support sessions with youths in the south Wales valleys struggling with school attendance due to anxiety and social isolation. “I’m very intrigued by the potential of technology for positive outcomes,” she mentioned. The app utilizes gaming technology, enabling users to design a flower, select a structure to support its growth, and specify weather conditions. By superimposing digital images onto physical surroundings using their device, users can engage with the app in a unique manner.
Ms. Mcmillan explained, “Young individuals were not only utilizing the devices to navigate their physical space but were also interacting with each other playfully, recognizing the significant role of play in child development.” A group of young individuals supported by Cardiff Youth Service were the first to trial the AR app. Lili, aged 16, appreciated the app’s user-friendliness, highlighting its ability to allow users to detach from their emotions for a more objective perspective. Jonas, aged 15, found the app to be a creative and novel experience, unlike anything he had encountered before.
The goal is for this technology to aid specific individuals, particularly those who are neurodivergent, in utilizing images to convey their feelings effectively. Ms. Mcmillan revealed plans for pilot programs in schools within Swansea and Cardiff, noting an increased sense of social connection in initial trials. She emphasized the positive impact of belonging on well-being and interaction, theorizing that improved social connections may lead to renewed interest in education among youths. The Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, highlighted the heightened school absence rates post-pandemic, attributing some of these issues to emotional well-being and school-related anxiety. Additionally, Cardiff council praised the involvement of young people in the development of the AR technology, providing them with a comfortable means of communication
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