My childhood trauma was light in comparison. However, I expressed myself with some scary art and worked in the horror industry. I was encouraged by media and my community to keep being creepy. I don't think my subject matter helped me become stable. I think it helped me normalize abuse and prepare me for more conflict. How do you address the fear and despair that might crop up in their designs?
Yeah, I understand your point, but I can't give you an extent answer this time. We are still looking for the best strategy to identify and deal with children despair, fears, and anxiety via video-game development. All of this requires careful research. As I said already above, it is a long ride.
At this stage of the project, we operate as follows. On the beginning of the course, our students fill out special questioners to identify a trauma's level. Their parents (caregivers) do the same. On the finish of the course, we repeat this procedure. Based on the results of analysis of their answers, VitaGames psychologist can identify if kids need additional help or no.
Please note, that we teach our students only the basics of game development. It helps them create whatever game they want after course has been fulfilled. If they would like to create a horror, actually... that's not good, and not bad. Sometimes children do creepy things not because they are traumatized, but simply want to obtain a control on their fears. In that case, we can only recommend parents do soft supervision. We are always glad to help, if our students parents ask us for an assistance or expert advice.
"Sometimes children do creepy things not because they are traumatized, but simply want to obtain a control on their fears."
When I was very young, I intentionally imagined horrible things, so that I might teach myself to not be frightened. I later figured out that I was frightened because I was traumatized. Hope this helps.