Empowering Teens as Mentors for SEND Children: PlaySEND’s Inclusive Approach

At PlaySEND, our mission is to create an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all children, regardless of their cognitive differences. We’re excited to launch an initiative that involves teenagers mentoring younger children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This approach not only enhances the learning experience for these children but also fosters personal and social development in the teenage mentors, enriching their understanding and acceptance of inclusivity.

Why Engage Teens as Mentors for SEND Children?

Teens who mentor develop vital skills like communication, empathy, and responsibility. Research shows mentoring improves cognitive abilities and social adaptation. A study by Herrera et al. found that mentoring enhances academic performance and social skills among mentees (Herrera, C., et al. "Making a difference in schools: The Big Brothers Big Sisters school-based mentoring impact study." Public/Private Ventures, 2007). (https://ppv.issuelab.org/resources/1981/1981.pdf)

Interacting with SEND children helps teens understand diversity better and cultivate tolerance. Teens learn to appreciate the unique abilities of every individual, fostering an inclusive society. Research indicates such experiences foster empathy and tolerance in teens (MENTOR report, 2009). (https://www.mentoring.org/resource/the-impact-of-mentoring-on-youth/)

Mentoring gives teens a sense of responsibility, knowing younger children depend on them. This helps develop time management and caregiving skills. Studies confirm teens involved in mentoring become more responsible and organized (Price-Mitchell, M. "Why All Teenagers Need Non-Parent Mentors." Psychology Today, 2013). (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-moment-youth/201303/why-all-teenagers-need-non-parent-mentors)

The cost of services provided by teen mentors is significantly lower than experienced teachers, making education more accessible for families, especially with regular support.
Often, mentoring through PlaySEND will be the first job for many teens. This experience will give them a sense of purpose, work ethic, and the ability to earn their first income, boosting their confidence and preparing them for future professional endeavors (Herrera, C., et al. "Making a difference in schools: The Big Brothers Big Sisters school-based mentoring impact study." Public/Private Ventures, 2007; MENTOR report, 2009). (https://ppv.issuelab.org/resources/1981/1981.pdf) (https://www.mentoring.org/resource/the-impact-of-mentoring-on-youth/)

Many of our teen mentors and their mentees will come from different countries, promoting cross-cultural exchange. This online interaction will help children appreciate and respect cultural differences, broadening their perspectives and enhancing global inclusivity. It will also enhance motivation and interest as they connect with mentors from different parts of the world.

How We Are Going to Support Teen Mentors

Teens will go through a thorough selection process, including interviews, skill assessments, and recommendations to ensure we choose the best candidates for mentoring roles.
Teens will receive training in game-based pedagogy, communication strategies, and inclusive education principles, helping them understand the needs of children with ADHD, ASD, and other cognitive differences.
Teens will work under the guidance of experienced teachers who will provide constant support and feedback, helping them overcome challenges and develop their teaching skills.
Our AI system will support teen mentors by offering recommendations and analyzing their actions, ensuring high-quality education even with less experienced mentors. The AI Dashboard will suggest adjustments based on the student’s progress.

Benefits for SEND Children

Younger children often find it easier to relate to and communicate with teens, fostering trust and effective learning.
Interaction with teen mentors will motivate younger children as they see role models in their mentors, encouraging their desire to learn and improve.
Under the guidance of teen mentors, children will develop essential skills like teamwork, creative thinking, and self-regulation, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.
Teens will provide significant emotional support to younger children, helping them cope with learning-related stress and difficulties.

Deepening Inclusivity

PlaySEND’s mentoring program will immerse teens in an inclusive environment, working with children of various educational needs and differences, helping them understand that inclusivity is the norm and enhancing their ability to work with diverse groups.
Teens will learn to appreciate diversity and develop tolerance, crucial for building an inclusive society. Working with children of various needs will help teens see that everyone is unique and worthy of respect and support.
Mentors and mentees will often come from different countries, promoting cross-cultural exchange. This online interaction will help both parties appreciate and respect cultural differences, broadening their perspectives and enhancing global inclusivity. It will also boost motivation and interest as children learn from mentors in different parts of the world.
Interaction with SEND children will help teens develop quality communication skills necessary for effective interaction and collaboration in diverse groups.

Safety and Monitoring Measures

Interactions between teen mentors and children will be regularly monitored by experienced teachers, platform administrators, and an AI system. The AI system will track all sessions to ensure safety and efficiency in learning, identifying markers of "prohibited" and dangerous communication for timely detection and prevention of issues.
Parents will be able to observe lessons, receive regular progress reports on their children, and provide feedback to improve the learning process.
In case of conflicts or issues between a teen mentor and a child, PlaySEND will have clear procedures for resolution, providing support to both parties and aiming to create a positive learning environment.

Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

One of our teen mentors, Albert, helped his mentee, Tim, who has ADHD, overcome difficulties in learning Valencian and Spanish. Albert used game-based tasks in Roblox to enhance Tim's understanding of the languages. Thanks to his support and individualized approach, Tim became more confident in his abilities and achieved significant academic success.

"PlaySEND has transformed my son's approach to learning. The teen mentor found a way to connect with him using games he loves, and now he’s more engaged than ever!" - Anika, mother of a boy with ADHD.

Supporting Scientific Research

A study by Tierney, Grossman, and Resch found that mentoring positively impacts academic achievement and self-esteem in participating teens (Tierney, J.P., Grossman, J.B., & Resch, N.L. "Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters." Public/Private Ventures, 1995). (https://www.bbbsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/BBBSA-Making-a-Difference.pdf)

The MENTOR report indicated that mentoring fosters empathy and tolerance in teens, helping them better understand and accept diversity (MENTOR. "The Impact of Mentoring on Youth." 2009). (https://www.mentoring.org/resource/the-impact-of-mentoring-on-youth/)

A study by LoSciuto et al. showed that participation in mentoring programs improves cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills in children with special educational needs (LoSciuto, L., Rajala, A.K., Townsend, T.N., & Taylor, A.S. "An outcome evaluation of Across Ages: An intergenerational mentoring approach to drug prevention." Journal of Adolescent Research, 1996). (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0743554896112002)

Aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals

PlaySEND’s mentoring program contributes to achieving several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Quality Education (SDG 4): By providing inclusive and equitable quality education, PlaySEND ensures lifelong learning opportunities for all children, including those with SEND.
Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): Our program promotes the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, disability, or other status.

Additionally, PlaySEND supports:

Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): By offering teens their first job experience, PlaySEND supports sustainable economic growth and productive employment for young people.
Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17): Collaborating with families, educational institutions, and other stakeholders, PlaySEND fosters partnerships to achieve these crucial objectives.

The mentoring program at PlaySEND provides unique opportunities for children with special educational needs, helping them develop in a comfortable and supportive environment. Interaction with teen mentors promotes their personal growth, improves academic outcomes, and enhances social skills, making their learning experience more effective and enjoyable. Moreover, this initiative deepens the understanding of inclusivity among teens, fostering values of tolerance and respect for diversity. Additionally, by offering teens their first job, PlaySEND significantly contributes to their personal and professional development, preparing them for future success. Our efforts align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, further emphasizing our commitment to creating a better and more inclusive world for all.