Damien Ferrari 19/02/2025 Damien Ferrari 19/02/2025

Empowering Youth Through Gaming

At Krash Labs, gaming is more than just play, it is a gateway to growth, confidence, and community. As a Community Interest Company (CIC), we are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive space where young people can thrive. Whether it is building technical skills, making new friends, or simply finding a place to belong, Krash Labs is making a difference, one session at a time.

We are expanding our reach to ensure every child has access to this opportunity, and we need your support. Whether you can help with funding, sponsorship, or simply spreading the word, your contribution can make a real impact.

Get in touch and be part of our journey, where gaming meets growth.

Some places you go because you have to. School. Work. The supermarket.

And then there are places you go because you want to.

Because you feel safe. Because you feel seen. Because you belong.

For the young people who walk through our doors Krash Labs is that place.

"This is the only place he is excited to come. He is calm here and talks about it all week."

"We have tried lots of different groups and he has never felt comfortable until Krash Labs."

For years we have been creating something special. A space where young people can explore make friends and grow. A space where neurodivergent children feel understood. A space where gaming is not just a pastime but a pathway to confidence creativity and connection.

Some of our members might go on to national esports competitions. Some might build the next great game.

Most will simply find their people.

And that is what really matters.

A Safe Space to Play Learn and Belong

Krash Labs is not just a gaming centre. It is a community.

It is where a child who has taught themselves Minecraft through YouTube can suddenly find others just like them. It is where a quiet child who struggles in a school playground can find friends who get it. It is where digital skills become life skills.

We don’t push. We don’t pressure. We just create a space where young minds can explore at their own pace.

And for parents it is a rare and welcome relief.

A moment of peace knowing their child is in a safe space engaged supported and happy.

This Should Not Be A Luxury

Every child deserves a place like this.

That is why we reinvest everything back into Krash Labs. It is why we are working to secure funding so more families can be part of this community.

It is why we do what we do.

Want to Join Us

Our next block of Saturday sessions starts on 1st March.

If this sounds like the kind of place you have been searching for we would love to welcome you.

If you can’t make it to Scarborough we are also building out our online sessions so keep an eye out.

And if you believe in what we are building and would like to help let’s talk.

Because Krash Labs is more than a gaming centre. It is a movement.

And movements grow when people like you get involved.

Damien Ferrari 05/02/2025 Damien Ferrari 05/02/2025

Protecting Children in an AI Driven World

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how children learn, play, and interact online. Bringing both opportunities and serious risks. While AI can personalise education and enhance experiences, it can also expose children to harmful content, privacy threats, and manipulative interactions.

Recent reports, including the NSPCC’s research on Generative AI, highlight dangers such as AI-generated harmful material, deepfakes, and the misuse of AI-powered chatbots. Schools are also integrating AI into classrooms, making it essential for parents and educators to understand how AI influences children’s learning and digital safety.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is advancing at an unprecedented pace, shaping everything from education to entertainment and online interactions. While AI offers exciting opportunities, it also presents risks, especially for children.

AI Risks

As a parent, carer, or teacher, understanding these risks is essential to ensuring children’s safety and well-being in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Several recent reports have highlighted the dangers AI poses to children:

The NSPCC’s report on Generative AI and Child Safety warns that AI can be misused to generate harmful content, facilitate grooming, or create deepfake material that could be used to exploit children.
AI-powered chatbots, search engines, and recommendation systems may expose children to harmful, misleading, or biased content, sometimes without clear safeguards.
AI relies on vast amounts of data, and children’s online activities can be collected, analysed, and even exploited if they overshare personal information. AI-driven profiling could also shape their experiences in ways that aren’t always transparent.

AI in Education

AI is transforming education, bringing both benefits and challenges.

AI can adapt to a child’s learning style, providing tailored lessons, instant feedback, and improved engagement, however, AI-generated content isn’t always accurate, and there are concerns about bias, misinformation, and students becoming too dependent on AI tools for learning.

Schools are starting to integrate AI into classrooms. Understanding how your child’s school uses AI and what safeguards are in place is crucial.

What Can We Do?

AI safety is evolving, and while governments are working on regulations, parental awareness and advocacy are key.

Encourage Critical Thinking: Teach children to question AI-generated content, verify information, and understand AI’s limitations.
Review AI Policies: Check your child’s school’s AI policies and discuss with educators how AI is being used in lessons.
Advocate for AI Safety: Push for stronger accountability from companies using AI, better privacy protections for children, and greater transparency in how AI decisions affect young users.

AI is rapidly shaping how children learn, play, and interact online. By staying informed and taking practical steps, we can help children benefit from AI’s potential while staying safe in an evolving digital world.

The Power of Kindness in Gaming

This week at Krash Labs, we saw the transformative power of kindness firsthand. A child who had only managed to stay for 15 minutes last week returned and stayed for two hours, thanks to a simple yet powerful act of kindness. Another child’s warm “hello” and invitation to play turned uncertainty into joy, leaving the child excited to return. Moments like these show how gaming can create a welcoming, inclusive space where children thrive, connect, and build confidence. At Krash Labs, it’s not just about gaming; it’s about building a community rooted in inclusivity.

At Krash Labs, we believe gaming is more than just a hobby; it is a way to connect, grow, and create lasting memories. This week, during our second session of the year, we witnessed a beautiful example of how kindness can transform an experience for children.

Last week, a young participant only managed to stay for 15 minutes. New environments can be overwhelming, and we understand that every child needs time to settle in at their own pace. We do not force or demand participation; instead, we facilitate their interests and build an environment that supports them.

This week, that same child returned and stayed for an incredible two hours. What made the difference? It was the simple yet powerful act of kindness from another child. A warm "hello" and an invitation to play sparked joy and excitement, leading to laughter and engagement. By the end of the session, the child was beaming with enthusiasm and could not wait to come back.

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. Our sessions are about more than gaming; they are about building a community where every child feels welcome and valued. By fostering an inclusive space, we create opportunities for children to connect, explore their interests, and build confidence at their own pace.

We are looking for volunteers who share this vision. Volunteering can be done during our in-person sessions or by helping to moderate and build a Minecraft world remotely. If you have two to three hours to spare on Saturday mornings, enjoy gaming and technology, and are 18+ willing to undergo a full DBS and background check and love gaming as much as we do, you could help us make a difference. Join us in creating positive, impactful experiences for children and helping them feel supported and excited about their time at Krash Labs.

Together, we can continue to grow this fantastic community and inspire a new generation of gamers who lead with kindness and inclusivity. Let us build something extraordinary.

If you want your child to attend, we still have a few spaces available, and these can be booked online.

Damien Ferrari 11/01/2025 Damien Ferrari 11/01/2025

Building a Community Through Gaming

Our first Saturday session of 2025 had children calling it the "best day ever"! Gaming at Krash Labs goes beyond play; it creates a supportive space where kids build confidence, friendships, and have fun.

The excitement of 2025 is already in full swing. Our first Saturday session of the year was met with glowing feedback from children and parents. With the kids’ enthusiastic declarations of it being the "best day ever".

Research shows that gaming has a unique ability to bring people together, fostering creativity, collaboration and friendship. Platforms like Roblox and Minecraft are particularly effective at creating spaces where children can express themselves and build connections. For neurodivergent children, these games offer an environment to interact at their own pace and develop important social skills.

Studies from organisations such as the Autism Research Institute and Internet Matters demonstrate how gaming supports confidence, communication and a sense of belonging. It is not just about playing; it is about growing, learning and building relationships in a way that feels natural and fun.

At Krash Labs, we see the power of gaming every week. Our sessions are designed to go beyond just playing games. They create an inclusive space where neurodivergent children can thrive. Whether working together to build epic Minecraft worlds, sharing tips in Roblox or simply laughing over a round of Mario Kart, our participants are forming meaningful connections that extend beyond the screen.

The importance of community has never been greater. Gaming is proving to be a powerful tool for fostering connections, especially for children who may find traditional social spaces challenging. Parents often share how their children have grown in confidence, improved in communication and made lasting friendships through their time with us.

These stories reaffirm what research has shown. When gaming is paired with safe, supportive environments, it becomes a gateway to personal and social growth. At Krash Labs, we are proud to provide this space and to see the positive impact it has on our community.

If you are looking for a safe, welcoming environment for your child to enjoy gaming, make friends and explore their creativity, Krash Labs is the perfect place. Our sessions take place on Saturdays at the Scarborough YMCA and are run in five-week blocks, designed to provide a blend of structured play and open exploration.

As we continue into 2025, let us celebrate the power of play and its ability to create thriving communities for children of all abilities. Whether through Minecraft, Roblox or Mario Kart, we are helping young gamers connect, grow and find their place in a supportive world.

Here is to building a brighter future together, one game at a time. We cannot wait to see you at Krash Labs soon.

Further Reading and Research

Damien Ferrari 01/01/2025 Damien Ferrari 01/01/2025

Celebrate Gaming for Neurodivergent Kids

As we step into 2025, Krash Labs celebrates the transformative power of gaming for neurodivergent children. Recent research highlights how platforms like Roblox and Minecraft foster creativity, confidence, and community for children with diverse needs. Our Saturday Sessions are designed to provide a safe, inclusive space where young gamers can connect, explore, and thrive. Let’s make this year about unlocking potential and embracing the joy of play!

As we enter 2025, Krash Labs wishes you all a Happy New Year filled with joy, adventure, and plenty of gaming! It’s the perfect time to reflect on the power of play and how it’s making a difference in the lives of neurodivergent children everywhere.

Did you know that gaming can be a transformative tool for neurodivergent children? A recent report by Internet Matters, supported by Roblox, highlights how platforms like Roblox foster creativity, communication, and a sense of community for children with diverse needs. The study found that 62% of neurodivergent young people play Roblox, and 54% say gaming makes them happy. These open-world games allow players to interact at their own pace, explore imaginative scenarios, and build friendships in environments tailored to their comfort.

For many neurodivergent kids, gaming provides a safe space to express themselves, practise social interactions, and develop problem-solving skills, all while having fun. Games like Minecraft, Roblox, and even Mario Kart create shared experiences that help bridge gaps in communication and build confidence.

At Krash Labs, we’ve embraced these findings to create a sanctuary for young gamers. Our Saturday Sessions are explicitly designed with neurodivergent children in mind. These 3-hour blocks are not just about playing games, they’re about fostering connections, encouraging creativity, and creating an inclusive space where everyone feels at home.

While we have a soft spot for Minecraft (don’t tell Roblox!), we also offer opportunities to play Roblox in a safe, monitored environment. This ensures that children enjoy their favourite games while parents feel confident about their safety and wellbeing.

The world is catching on to what we’ve always known: gaming isn’t just about entertainment, it’s about building skills and communities. The findings from the Internet Matters report reinforce what we see every week at Krash Labs. Parents tell us how their children have grown in confidence, made friends, and even improved in communication through our gaming sessions.

As we move into 2025, let’s continue to harness the potential of gaming to support neurodivergent children and provide them with spaces where they can truly thrive.

Join Us at Krash Labs Saturday Sessions

If you’re looking for a welcoming, engaging environment for your child, our Saturday Sessions are a great place to start. Held on Saturdays at the Scarborough YMCA, these sessions are structured in 5-week blocks and tailored to provide a blend of gaming, social interaction, and creative exploration!

Let’s make 2025 the year we embrace the power of play for all children. Whether it’s through Roblox, Minecraft, or Mario Kart, gaming can be the key to unlocking potential and joy.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, and we hope to see you and your little gamers at Krash Labs soon!

Happy New Year!

(For more information on our Saturday Sessions, visit Krash Labs. If you’re interested in the research on gaming and neurodivergence, check out the full report by Internet Matters here.)