BCM has developed an anti-bullying app for the Queensland Government Department of Education, Training and Employment featuring an alien named Allen.

‘The Allen adventure’ sees Allen land on earth and arrive at a local school, not knowing quite how things are done.

The interactive story is downloadable on iPads and explores social and emotional skills critical for young children when making new friends, getting on with others, and dealing with difficult situations. Children can read, sing along and explore as they learn about joining in, sharing and managing their own feelings.

Created in conjunction with Bullying. No Way! it is designed to teach youngsters three to eight years of age about anti-bullying behaviours and has been launched as part of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

The Allen App also reinforces the important role parents and educators have to play in making these anti-bullying learnings for children real, and provides them with the tools and opportunities to use and practice these skills with their children and students.

The new App is part of the national ‘Bullying, No Way!’ project which offers practical resources and information to help schools work together to create safe and supportive school environments for children free from bullying, harassment and violence.

The project is managed by the Queensland epartment of Education, Training and Employment on behalf of the national Safe and Supportive School Communities (SSSC) Working Group, made up of representatives from Australia-wide educational jurisdictions.

BCM MD Kevin Moreland said “Rather than developing a fairly standard website page with tips and information, we tapped into the generation of young kids who are proficient iPad users and instead created a fun, interactive learning tool specifically for them which is a positive experience.”

Credits: client Queensland Government Department of Education, Training and Employment, agency BCM, lead creative Steve Mair, writer Peter Goodall