Computer program targeted toward school children

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Working in the corporate world gave Steven Brown an idea to start his homegrown business in North York that would help school kids across Canada.

As founder and program manager of Practi-Quest, Brown set out to create a software program that would allow students in grades 2 to 5 to practice bullying prevention skills through interactive computer simulations.

"We built interactive media all the time for corporate clients," said Brown, adding it was just a good idea to try teaching young kids about bullying prevention in the same way. "Everything had to be fun for kids and parents."

The program also had to be supported by evidence-based research on bullying, which is why he recruited Dr. Debra Pepler and Dr. Wendy Craig, leading research professors on the topic from York and Queen's universities, respectively, for their input.

After much discussion, they recently launched Quest for the Golden Rule, an experiential program with virtual world simulations in which children can make decisions and "choose their own adventure" to help resolve bullying situations or see the consequences of their actions.

There are resources provided for both teachers and parents as well to help the children put what they learned in the computer world into practice.

"Fundamentally, we teach respect for yourself and we teach respect for others," Brown said.

The program is constantly being updated, he added, with new scenarios for kids to experience and play online. He also appreciated their constant feedback.

"They're pretty critical, these little guys," Brown laughed. "They are so honest."

To date, Brown estimated about 20 schools in Toronto use the program as well as several other schools across Canada.

"Our little North York thing has grown," Brown said. "It's pretty cool."

For more information on the program, visit www.practiquest.com or call 416-785-0351.