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Getting young people off their devices and into our libraries

2 mins read Guest Blog
Having a conversation with children about a group of goblins running off with a cat that can turn into dragon is very different from the usual engagement I have had as a director of children’s services. But that was life before Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster councils launched our games libraries last November. Since then, I’ve had my mind opened to a whole new world of imagination.
'There is a strong body of evidence that play makes us smarter, more adaptable, and keeps us open to possibilities, Newman says.. Picture: Adobe Stock/ Ilike
'There is a strong body of evidence that play makes us smarter, more adaptable, and keeps us open to possibilities, Newman says.. Picture: Adobe Stock/ Ilike

Post pandemic, many of us have been thinking carefully about children’s wellbeing and learning. There have been reports about school attendance levels dropping and an increase in mental health issues. This has been against a backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, increasing demand for SEND provision, more children coming into care, and, in recent weeks, a concerning number of young people being involved in civil disorder. If ever there was a time to think differently, right?

My journey started with a visit to a local family centre facilitating a Dungeons and Dragons game with a group of neurodiverse children.

Very quickly I was immersed into a magical world where dragons were flying alongside trolls and elves in a fantasy realm. The story was immersive and spellbinding. We learned about new skills and threats as we threw various sided dice to determine our fate. The creativity and imagination that the group was sharing was enthralling, with comedic moments, perilous encounters, and philosophical musings.

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