The Centre for Child Protection is proud that the ‘Looking out for Lottie’ simulation is recognised for its digital innovation at the Guardian University Awards 2016.
The team at the University of Kent’s Centre for Child Protection (CCP) believes all learners should have the chance to use motivating, innovative learning tools in this digital age. Its latest social media-style simulation ‘Looking out for Lottie’ is attention-grabbing and enables young people to learn to protect themselves from online child sexual exploitation (CSE).
The Centre is the only one of its kind in the UK, combining child protection research, study and simulation development. It epitomises how universities can collaborate to solve global issues, and impact lives. CCP provides a unique contribution to the University’s strategy (University Plan 2015-20), in particular ‘building on research activities to ensure delivery of high quality and impactful outputs’ and contributing ‘to the educational and life-chances for those in our local/regional communities’. The Centre achieves this by collaborating with partners and developing a suite of ‘serious games’ for training/education in challenging, emotive areas of child protection. CPP’s strength lies in the ability to turn complex concepts and theory into user-friendly interactive digital training tools.
‘Lottie’ was developed with NHS Health Education (Kent, Surrey and Sussex) and responds directly to issues highlighted in the Ofsted report ‘The sexual exploitation of children: it couldn’t happen here, could it?’ (2014), which emphasises that schools and local authorities need to directly tackle CSE and evidence how they are doing this.
The simulation follows the compelling story of a schoolgirl Lottie and how she becomes involved with Jake, a seemingly innocent ‘boyfriend’ who is grooming her for a gang to rape. It features two versions: (1) for direct work with young people and (2) for professionals, including more specific targeted elements. Users explore Lottie’s social media platforms, generating discussion of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Lottie includes links to other resources, comprehensive training pack and guidance through reflective questions.
For more information on the Centre’s child protection simulations and to book training or purchase bespoke training resources for your organisation email ccp@kent.ac.uk or phone 01227 827546 or visit our website.
Regards
Karen
Centre for Child Protection