Nearly 490 students in their first year of lycée across Monaco’s public and private schools are taking part in an immersive escape room experience designed to raise awareness of the risks associated with alcohol, drugs and risky behaviour in social settings, as part of the Prince’s Government’s broader youth health prevention programme.

Running until 27th March, the initiative is organised by the Direction de l’Éducation Nationale, de la Jeunesse et des Sports, with support from three Monégasque associations — Fight Aids Monaco, Be Safe Monaco and the Croix-Rouge Monégasque. The escape room itself was designed by Nice-based company G – Addiction Jeunesse Citoyenne.

An immersive approach to a serious subject

Rather than a conventional awareness session, students work together in groups to solve an immersive investigation that takes them through four realistically designed spaces: a police station, a student flat, a nightclub and a road accident scene. Along the way, they encounter clues and props — some of which are actual prevention tools — that guide them through scenarios relating to substance use, consent, road safety, first aid and blood donation.

Each class-sized session lasts around one hour, giving all students across the participating schools the chance to take part before the programme closes.

What students take away

Beyond the immediate experience, the escape room is designed to familiarise students with the prevention resources available to them in Monaco, introduce them to the work of the three partner associations, and encourage reflection on consent and responsible decision-making in social situations.

The Prince’s Government said the initiative reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the health and wellbeing of young people in the Principality.

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Photo credit: Frederic Nebinger