By Adam Hood – Kirklees Gaming Central
UK think-tank ‘The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies’ (SAGE), has recommended to the government that young people forced to self-isolate should be given free online streaming, gaming, and data as an incentive to remain isolated and not break the rules.
The report, published on the 6th of November, warns the government that those aged 18-29 are “substantially more declining” to stick with guidance to isolate to lower the risk of Covid-19 spreading.
It is suggested to be due to a lack of trust in the government.
However, the question remains whether or not the responsibility of forcing self-isolation should lie with the government, the young person, or their parent/guardian.
As a result, SAGE recommends that “young people asked to isolate or stay at home should be provided with good financial and/or other support e.g. free mobile phone data, streaming and gaming.”
The report also says: “Young people are more oriented towards immediate experiences and rewards than long term consequences.”
It then continues with “interventions should provide short-term rewards for adherence” and thus recommends “streaming and gaming services [should be] provided free to those asked to isolate.”
Other recommendations have been included, such as improving practical interventions.
This includes free face masks to be distributed, to shift schools and universities further to remote learning, and more support for young people’s mental health.
This comes after a recent study by the University of Oxford that found that people who play video games for extended periods are likely to feel happier than those who don’t.
Along with the Oxford report, these recommendations could lead to better help for young people struggling through lockdown and isolation.
Considering that the Xbox Series X/S and Playstation 5 have been released this month, this might be the best time for people to get online and socialise with friends and family.