HEALTH EDUCATION SIMULATION

Friend2Friend

A game-based simulation for adolescents that builds awareness, knowledge, and skills about mental health while reducing stigma. It prepares youth to recognize signs of distress, reach out to a friend they are concerned about, and help identify a trusted adult for support.

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Adopted by several state, district, and nonprofit organizations nationally, this research-proven online learning module engages youth in a conversation about mental health and drives change in their skills and attitudes toward seeking help for oneself or a friend.

TOPICS

Mental health, suicide prevention

TOPICS

Mental health, suicide prevention

USERS

Youth ages 13–18

USERS

Youth ages 13–18

SETTING

High schools, youth programs, juvenile justice

SETTING

High schools, youth programs, juvenile justice

DURATION

minutes

DURATION

minutes

Product Walkthrough

Introduction

Users meet their virtual coaches, two high school classmates, who share their experiences about struggling with psychological distress. They teach users about emotional health and wellness, and address misconceptions that high school students may have about mental health.

Goals

Users learn effective tactics for getting their peers to open up and offering support, including asking open-ended questions and summarizing.

Conversation Challenge: Ana

Users assume the role of a peer and speak with one of the coaches who has been showing signs of stress. Users practice asking open-ended questions, reflective listening, asking directly about suicide, and connecting a friend with a trusted adult who can help. They learn to avoid ineffective tactics like being judgmental, criticizing, and giving unwarranted advice.

Being Healthy

Users learn more about identifying peers at risk for emotional distress or thoughts of suicide. The coaches explain the importance of reaching out, and they offer strategies for maintaining emotional well-being, such as eating well and exercising.

School Specific Resources/Other Resources

Throughout the simulation, users have access to a printable summary and a web page that includes a list of specific mental health resources available nationally and locally that Kognito customizes per client.

Program Evaluation and Usage Reports

The simulation is available online 24/7. Users are asked to complete pre-, post-, and 3-month follow up surveys to assess changes in skills, attitudes, and behavior. Upon completion, users receive a certificate of completion. Clients have access to usage reports and evaluation data via the Kognito client portal.

Product Resources

Product Sheet

Case Study

Online simulations provide educators practical skills to connect students with support — possibly preventing a tragedy.

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