Since March 2020 when lockdown hit and most youth workers turned to digital platforms to engage young people, we found ourselves turning to the PlayStation as a tool to engage young people. 

Fast-forward to January 2021 and we’re still using the PlayStation as an effective tool to engage young people and support them. Especially during this pandemic, it continues to be part of our outreach approach with young people in Inchicore.

Why we're still using it...

“We are living in a gaming generation, it’s important as youth workers that we can engage young people where they are at and the PlayStation allows us to do that” - Steo, Youth Worker

The PlayStation can be a great engagement tool to start and build conversations around trying new things "we can start productive conversations and help support young people where possible to try something different".

When it comes to mental health and social anxiety some young people struggle with leaving their house or engaging face to face with youth work but they will engage on the PlayStation as it's a safe space for them. "It gives them the opportunity for us to form a relationship with that young person that wouldn't otherwise be formed" - Steo, youth worker.

For more tips and information on using PlayStation as a youth work tool check out the blog by Thomas McCarthy:

https://youthworkerview.blogspot.com/2021/01/online-gaming-is-keeping-teenagers-from.html