We produced a major new series of virtual reality (VR) films for Cornerstone VR, part of the Antser Group. The films raise awareness of young people’s activity online and the impact this can have on their safety and mental health. The 4-part 360° series is a trauma-informed behaviour change tool that will help adults explore and understand the challenges and dangers young people face online, specifically on social media, to help improve the care and support the user can provide.
The first film is an introduction to social media, showing how it fits into the day in the life of a young person, such as WhatsApp conversations with family members to receiving unsolicited messages from strangers; films two and three show how young people can be persuaded to meet someone in real life; and the fourth focuses on the decline of a young person’s mental health due to social media.
The films were written and scripted after several focus groups with professionals working with children in the social care and education sectors, conversations with young people and consultations with social media experts.