An innovative virtual reality (VR) drama, titled The Afters, has been developed to educate young people about the crucial topic of sexual consent. Created by Lucy Baxter, a lecturer at Queen’s University Belfast, this immersive experience aims to engage school, college, and university students in meaningful discussions about consent and communication.
The project features two interconnected narratives, each told from the perspectives of a 17-year-old girl and boy. These stories are crafted to illuminate the nuances of both verbal and non-verbal communication regarding consent. Baxter noted that the motivation for developing this project stemmed from identifying gaps in sexual education within Northern Ireland. She expressed a commitment to ensuring the content resonates authentically with young audiences, stating, “We’re really proud of these films, having worked with young people to ensure their authenticity and relatability.”
Empathy Through Immersion
Baxter highlighted the unique advantages of VR technology in fostering empathy. She explained, “VR allows the user to deeply empathise with the internal experience of characters and can explore grey areas to tease out important discussions around consent.” The narratives unfold at a house party, where interactions among friends lead to pivotal moments of confusion regarding consent, particularly influenced by alcohol and peer pressure.
The project not only focuses on the female perspective but also emphasizes the male experience. Baxter, who is also a mother to an 11-year-old boy, recognized the importance of including young men in conversations about consent. “I was really keen to make something that looked at the male perspective as well as the female one,” she stated.
Impactful Conversations
The creative director of the project, Gavin Peden, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of VR storytelling, saying, “We are delighted that with The Afters we were able to use the possibilities of filmic storytelling, alongside the personal immersive experience of VR to create a piece that provokes conversation around such a timely and pressing topic.”
Currently, the initiative is conducting a research trial in collaboration with Politics in Action, Phoenix Education Centre, and various schools across Northern Ireland. Dr. Therese Cullen, project manager at Politics in Action, emphasized the effectiveness of VR as a learning tool, noting, “When young people step into these immersive stories, they don’t just hear about consent — they feel it.” She added that these experiences can lead to “honest conversations,” highlighting the importance of communication, respect, and understanding body language.
The project aims to equip young people with the skills necessary to navigate intimate situations safely and responsibly, fostering a culture of respect and awareness. As the discussions surrounding consent evolve, initiatives like The Afters play a vital role in shaping the perspectives of future generations.
