I attended an inter-agency meeting today and was introduced to a new board game called 'Love_life'. It's a game about relationships that has been developed by the Just a Little Respect project run by Rosie's Place. 'Love_life' aims to assist in the prevention of sexual and relationship violence amongst young people in the Blacktown Local Government Area. The game was launched as a resource for use in schools and services working with young people by our Governor Marie Bashir in July 2009.
The game is designed for young people aged between 14 and 16 years and played by four players or by four teams. The game presents scenarios to young people involving moral dilemmas or situations where they are being pressured or influenced by their peers. It then suggests four optional responses. The responses range from respectful and non abusive to disrespectful and using power inappropriately.
The game aims to explore relationship violence with young people by examining their responses to complex heterosexual dating issues. It promotes safe, happy and respectful relationships.
Although we did not play the game, we were introduced to some of the scenarios that the game uses. I wondered whether some churches might want to use the game as a resource for teaching and discussion with some of their young people. The values reflect those espoused in the PDHPE course in NSW high schools. I was sure that not all 'correct' answers would reflect Christian values, so I asked, "So if two young people agree that they both want to have sex together, the game would approve that decision?" The answer was 'Yes' and the authors of the game were clear that "some religious groups would probably not want to use it."
However, I wonder if it would be useful to use in church youth groups because at least it would put currently accepted cultural values on the table and provide an opportunity for discussion and challenge from a Biblical perspective. Dare I say that it might also challenge us in some areas to show more respect to one another within the church!
Has anyone seen or used the game?
'Love_life' is available from rosiesplace@bigpond.com.au
