Therapy which uses virtual technology is being tested as a means of supporting teenagers with anxiety and those who struggle to attend school. Cardiff Youth Service, part of Cardiff council's education department, has helped to test and develop a mobile app which uses augmented reality (AR) as an intervention for anxiety and social isolation. Initial findings suggest the technology, which will be piloted in some schools in Cardiff and Swansea, has resulted in an "increase in social connection" and reduced levels of anxiety. The Children's Commissioner for Wales said any intervention which could engage young people and help their emotional wellbeing was to be welcomed. AR is an interactive experience where your real-world environment is augmented, added to or enhanced using computer generated content. Counsellor Angela Mcmillan, who developed the AR therapy app, said the idea came from support sessions with young people in the south Wales valleys who had been struggling to attend school due to anxiety and social isolation. "I'm really curious as to how we can use technology for good," she said. "Instead of thinking of it as something we do by ourselves, how might we use technology where we are then able to share that with the person next to us?" The app uses gaming technology to allow a young person to design a flower and choose a structure to support its growth and the weather conditions. Users can then superimpose the digital images onto their physical surroundings using their device. "What we found was young people were using the devices to move around their physical space but also interacting with each other in a playful way and we know that play is incredibly important for child development," said Ms Mcmillan. A group of young people who are supported by Cardiff Youth Service were the first to test the AR app. Lili, 16, said: "It's easy to use because you can separate it from yourself. It's easier to look at your emotions from an outside perspective. "I think it could be helpful for a lot of people. If someone didn't really like talking then it can be like an ice breaker to open up conversations with their counsellor. "I think it would be particularly useful for people with social anxiety." Jonas, 15, said: "The thoughts of the day's experiences are going through my mind as I'm choosing the different things. "It's creative and I've never seen something like this before." It is hoped the technology will help certain individuals, particularly those who are neurodivergent, to feel more comfortable using images to express how they are feeling. "We're just about to start some pilots in schools in Swansea and Cardiff. What we have seen so far in our initial pilots is an increase in social connection," said Ms Mcmillan. "I think a key element of this is that if we feel a sense of belonging, that improves our wellbeing and the way we want to interact with the world. "A by-product of that might be that young people want to go back into education or attend that in different ways." The Children's Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, said school attendance remained "a big problem" as the number of children missing more than 10% of their schooling had doubled since the pandemic. "There are multiple complex reasons for this, but we know emotional mental health and wellbeing does play a part and school anxiety is common," Ms Cifuentes said. "I think it's really important to be considering any intervention which is evidence based and is showing to be effective but I also think it's important to listen to children and young people and what they need. "The world is evolving, technology is evolving and I think where schools can use that technology effectively to support children and young people's attendance, that's to be welcomed." Cardiff council said young people had "been given a voice and had valuable input in developing this tool which provides a way for them to communicate using an approach that they feel comfortable with".
Teens test virtual technology aimed at helping anxiety
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Cardiff Tests Augmented Reality App to Support Teens with Anxiety"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Cardiff Youth Service, part of Cardiff council's education department, is testing a mobile app that utilizes augmented reality (AR) technology to support teenagers dealing with anxiety and school attendance issues. Initial findings from the pilot program indicate that this innovative approach has led to an increase in social connections among users and a reduction in anxiety levels. The Children's Commissioner for Wales expressed support for any intervention that engages young people and enhances their emotional wellbeing. AR technology enhances the real-world environment with computer-generated content, providing an interactive experience that can facilitate discussions around mental health and social anxiety. Counsellor Angela McMillan, who developed the app, noted that the concept originated from discussions with young people in the South Wales valleys who faced challenges attending school due to their anxiety and feelings of isolation. She emphasized the potential of technology to foster social interaction rather than isolating individuals further.
The app allows users to engage creatively by designing a flower and selecting various growth conditions, which they can visualize in their physical surroundings through their devices. Feedback from the initial group of users has been positive; one participant, Lili, noted that the app helps users view their emotions from an external perspective, potentially serving as an icebreaker for conversations with counselors. Another user, Jonas, described the experience as creative and unique, indicating that it helps him process his thoughts. The hope is that this technology will particularly assist neurodivergent individuals in expressing their feelings through images. As Cardiff council prepares to launch pilot programs in schools in Swansea and Cardiff, McMillan pointed out that fostering a sense of belonging could improve overall wellbeing and motivate young people to engage with education more actively. The Children's Commissioner highlighted that school attendance issues have escalated post-pandemic, with emotional well-being playing a significant role in school anxiety. She stressed the importance of evidence-based interventions and the need to listen to the voices of young people in developing effective support strategies.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a novel approach to addressing anxiety among teenagers through the use of augmented reality (AR) technology. It describes a mobile app developed by Cardiff Youth Service aimed at enhancing social connections and reducing anxiety levels. This initiative appears to be a response to the growing mental health challenges faced by young people, particularly in educational settings.
Intent Behind the Publication
The primary goal of this article seems to be to promote an innovative solution for mental health issues among youth. By highlighting the positive outcomes of the AR app, the article seeks to encourage acceptance and support for technological interventions in mental health care. This aligns with a broader trend of integrating technology into therapeutic practices, which may resonate well with parents, educators, and policymakers.
Public Perception Goals
The narrative is designed to foster a sense of hope and progress regarding mental health interventions for teenagers. By showcasing initial positive results, the article aims to create a favorable public perception of both the app and the broader use of technology in addressing mental health challenges. The involvement of reputable figures, such as the Children's Commissioner for Wales, lends credibility and further bolsters public support.
Potential Omissions or Disguised Information
While the article emphasizes the potential benefits of the AR app, it may downplay any limitations or challenges associated with its implementation. For instance, the long-term effectiveness of such technology in diverse populations or the need for professional oversight in its use could be areas that require further exploration. Such omissions might be intentional to maintain a positive narrative.
Manipulative Aspects
The article does not overtly manipulate information but does employ a persuasive tone that emphasizes the positive outcomes of the AR intervention. The use of personal testimonials, like that of Lili, provides an emotional connection that may influence public perception. However, the absence of critical viewpoints or data on potential drawbacks may lead to a one-sided understanding of the technology's efficacy.
Comparison with Other News
When compared to other articles on mental health and technology, this one highlights a specific case study with tangible results. It fits into a broader pattern of reporting on innovative health solutions, particularly those that leverage technology to improve youth welfare. This trend signifies an increasing acceptance of tech-based interventions in public health discussions.
Community Engagement and Support
The article is likely to appeal to communities invested in youth welfare and mental health, including educators, parents, and mental health advocates. These groups are often looking for effective solutions to the rising mental health crises among teenagers and are likely to support initiatives that demonstrate promise.
Economic and Political Implications
The positive reception of this AR technology could influence funding and support for similar projects in education and mental health sectors. If proven successful, it may prompt schools and local governments to invest in such innovations, potentially reshaping how mental health services are delivered to young people.
Broader Context and Global Relevance
While this news piece primarily focuses on a local initiative, its implications can resonate on a global scale, particularly in regions grappling with similar youth mental health challenges. The integration of technology into mental health care is a growing area of interest worldwide, and this article contributes to ongoing discussions about effective interventions.
Artificial Intelligence Involvement
There is no explicit indication that artificial intelligence was used in the creation of this article. However, the methodical presentation of findings and the focus on user experience could suggest a structured approach typical of AI-assisted content generation. If AI had been involved, it might have influenced the framing of positive outcomes and user testimonials to enhance engagement.
Conclusion on Reliability
Overall, the article presents a promising narrative about the use of technology in mental health interventions for teenagers. However, the lack of critical analysis regarding potential downsides and the focus on initial positive findings suggest that readers should approach the information with a balanced perspective. The article is largely credible but should be considered within the context of further research and evaluation of the AR app's effectiveness.