Librarians worked directly with teens to create the VR programs, treating them as equal partners in the projects. Thereby, VRtality.org originated, nurtured by the Seattle Public Library, DC Public Library in Washington DC and La Fayette Public Library, Museum & Archives in La Grange, Texas.
Juan Rubio, program manager from Seattle, points out that virtual reality is a particularly suitable solution: it encourages “teens learn regarding mental health issues and create their own solutions ».
First objective, to create a favorable context for discussions and exchanges, to talk regarding the factors generating stress, to better deconstruct them. And among the central subjects, citizenship and digital identity: its teaching becomes essential as online harassment continues to grow. Learning to be careful and guaranteeing one’s own safety helps to reduce risks.
«By positioning teenagers as digital actors and creators, as well as users, we think regarding the future of technologies with their own prism», notes Joanna Harris, service coordinator for the DC Public library.
The three public establishments pooled their resources, each having facilitated a series of 13 sessions – all targeting emotional disorders through different activities. With the perspective of bringing people to think and express themselves freely. Through the site, three projects are available and visitors will use the multiple online tools without distinction.
We discover here three videos presenting some of the VR experiences offered. Note that two years of work will have been necessary for VRtality to succeed:
Credits photo: Aarón Blanco Tejedor/Unsplash