Note: This account only posts external research that has been approved by the NAS research team.
Research background
The researchers are Dr.Constantina Panourgia, Dr.Elvira Bolat, Dr. Emily Arden-Close, Dr. Marina Kilintari, and Mr Kevin Davidson.
This study is about digital/online gaming and gambling-like features in gaming. Many young people enjoy playing digital games. Some games include features such as loot boxes or skins betting. Gaming is different from gambling, however, some game features can feel like gambling because they involve spending money, chance, or uncertain rewards. Some research suggests that neurodivergent children and young people may be more likely to experience harm linked to gambling or gambling-like activities. If the gaming industry includes gambling-like features in gaming, children and young people will be exposed to greater risk. However, support and prevention resources are not always designed with neurodivergent young people in mind. Families, educators and professionals also report that they need clearer guidance. In this study, we want to better understand:
- The experiences of neurodivergent children/young people you support with online gaming communities
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Your views on their engagement with online gaming
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Your views on game features like loot boxes
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Anything that feels risky or worrying regarding online gaming
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What might help protect neurodivergent children and young people when engaging in online gaming
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What support you think is missing
What type of participants are we looking for?
The research team is looking to hear from:
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neurodivergent young people aged 16–25 with experience in online gaming;
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parents, carers or guardians supporting neurodivergent children and young people aged 11–25, who engage with online gaming;
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professionals working with neurodivergent children and young people aged 11–25, who engage with online gaming.
What does taking part involve?
Participants will be asked to take part in a focus group online via Microsoft Teams and provide online, prior to the focus group, some demographic information such as your age, biological sex and gender, your educational and/or professional status.
During the focus group, you will be asked about your experiences of supporting children and young people engaging in online gaming and your thoughts about risks in gaming and potential support.
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The focus group session will take approximately 1 hour.
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Each focus group will have approximately up to 8 participants.
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The researchers will be present as well as a support staff from Ygam charity.
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Participants will be asked questions as a group to facilitate discussion between yourself and the other participants.
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There are no right or wrong answers
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Participants can contribute as much or as little as you want to the discussion, skip questions
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Participants can leave the group discussion, if they want, without any consequences
Reimbursement
Each participant will receive a £30 amazon voucher as a recognition for offering their time and help.
Contact details
For more information please contact Kevin Davidson (kcdavidson@bournemouth.ac.uk)