- Feb 5, 2002
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Youngsters threatened with referral to anti-terror programme if they question migration while playing
A state-funded computer game is warning teenagers that they risk being referred to a counter-terrorism programme if they question mass migration.
Pathways is an interactive game designed for 11- to 18-year-old pupils and funded by Prevent, a Home Officeprogramme for tackling extremism.
Young players are directed to help their in-game characters – a white teenage boy and girl – to avoid being reported for “extreme Right-wing ideology” after discussing migration online.
Characters can face extremism referrals if they choose to engage with groups that spread “harmful ideological messages”, or join protests against the “erosion of British values”. Even researching online immigration statistics is portrayed negatively.
Other in-game pitfalls include sharing a video that claims Muslim men, rather than homeless veterans, are being given emergency accommodation.
An in-game meter monitors how extreme the character’s behaviour is. Those who “lose” may be given counselling to deal with “ideological thoughts” or referred to an anti-terrorism expert.
The game was developed with government backing by councils in East Yorkshire over growing concerns about immigration and tensions about migrant accommodation in their communities.
Continued below.
A state-funded computer game is warning teenagers that they risk being referred to a counter-terrorism programme if they question mass migration.
Pathways is an interactive game designed for 11- to 18-year-old pupils and funded by Prevent, a Home Officeprogramme for tackling extremism.
Young players are directed to help their in-game characters – a white teenage boy and girl – to avoid being reported for “extreme Right-wing ideology” after discussing migration online.
Characters can face extremism referrals if they choose to engage with groups that spread “harmful ideological messages”, or join protests against the “erosion of British values”. Even researching online immigration statistics is portrayed negatively.
Other in-game pitfalls include sharing a video that claims Muslim men, rather than homeless veterans, are being given emergency accommodation.
An in-game meter monitors how extreme the character’s behaviour is. Those who “lose” may be given counselling to deal with “ideological thoughts” or referred to an anti-terrorism expert.
The game was developed with government backing by councils in East Yorkshire over growing concerns about immigration and tensions about migrant accommodation in their communities.
How the game works
Continued below.
