Student Created Anti-Binge Drinking Game Comes Under Fire

Scottish students from Paisley Grammar School and St. Andrew’s Academy along with assistance from the University of the West of Scotland’s School of Computing have developed a video game to teach their peers about the hazards of binge drinking. This edutainment title, ThinknDrinkn, places students as the best friend and only hope of a young adult that has strapped on way too many.

Compute Scotland reports that an estimated one-third of 15-year-olds get drunk every week. This video game aims to change those statistics through awareness.

In the game, the players have to find and help a friend who has been drinking and whose condition is constantly deteriorating. Game players will have to provide fluids and food to a drunk friend and either take them home or to hospital, avoiding obstacles including youth gangs along the way. They will also have to answer various questions related to alcohol misuse and can use links to useful websites to find relevant information.

No matter how good the intention are, some people are never satisfied. ThinknDrinkn has already come under fire.

According to Spong, Nick Seaton of the Campaign for Real Education is outraged over the game:

It is irresponsible to confront children of just 11 or 12 with the idea of a friend lapsing into unconsciousness because they have had so much to drink.

Spong also reminds people that Seaton doesn’t always research the issues he protests thoroughly:

This is the same Nick Seaton who earlier this year told anybody who would listen that introducing Nintendo Wiis into schools was, “pandering to the views of the physically idle”.

Here’s the video from the TeacherTube website:

via GamePolitics