The game, titled 'Missing', is an interactive computer program designed to warn parents and children of the dangers of online predators.
The game will have an application that parents can download from a school district’s website onto their home computers. Unfortunately, the program starts next fall, and only across Central Kentucky. A district there spent $300,000 for a new game which follows the adventures of a teen named Zachary Taylor who finds himself in an inappropriate online relationship with someone named Fantasma. Soon Zachary goes missing, and the children must study clues to help find him.
According to Paul Hamann, chief information officer for the Jessamine County school, the game will help students "see how easily they could get drawn into that."
The sad reality is that the children are being solicited and abducted via online games and chat rooms every day and school programs all over the world should spend money on programs like this one.
Interactive Anti-Abuse Games
'Missing' Teaches Kids About Online Predators
Trend Themes
1. Interactive Games for Online Safety - Creating interactive games that educate children and parents about the dangers of online predators provides a disruptive innovation opportunity in the field of online safety.
2. Gamification for Child Protection - Using gamification techniques to teach children about online safety and protection against online predators presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the educational technology sector.
3. Awareness Programs for Online Threats - Developing awareness programs, such as interactive computer games, to educate parents and children about the risks of online predators opens doors for disruptive innovation within the cybersecurity industry.
Industry Implications
1. Educational Technology - The educational technology industry can capitalize on the development of interactive games that teach children about online safety and protection against online predators.
2. Cybersecurity - The cybersecurity industry can benefit from the creation of awareness programs and educational games that inform parents and children about the dangers of online predators.
3. Child Protection Services - Child protection services can incorporate interactive computer games like 'Missing' to raise awareness among children and parents about the risks of online predators.