Kidsdom is a media rich, interactive alcohol prevention Internet site, designed for youth aged 8 - 11 years old. Kidsdom uses an adventure game format to provide information and prevention messages related to alcohol use and abuse. Adventurers playing this game explore a magical castle with four levels of information: physiological, safety and consequences, decision-making, and self-esteem. The levels become progessively more difficult as the adventurer continues the journey. Information in the Kidsdom castle is presented to the child using the educational theory of constructivism, which states that children learn best when they actively construct their own knowledge. All of the information and activites in the Kidsdom castle were developed in conjunction with a team of educators, prevention specialists, gaming experts and researchers. The information is research-based and age-appropriate, and calibrated for reading, attention and ability levels. There are support pieces for teachers and parents. This presentation will discuss the development of the Kidsdom web site, demonstrate a number of the games and activities on the site, and discuss the results of a preliminary evaluation with children in the target age group.
Learning Objectives: Understand the aspects of a health promotion web site that engage students in the topic Review an innovative approach to reach young children with prevention messages
Keywords: Alcohol, Child Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Danya International
Silver Spring MD
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment