Round the World: How to Communicate with Children and Youth on Nuclear and Radiation Safety

In many countries around the world, the educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness among children and school students in the field of nuclear and radiation safety (NRS) are becoming increasingly popular. The goal is to explain in simple terms what is the radiation, its significance for nature and biological evolution, in particular, for research, diagnostics and treatment, as well as how to behave correctly under potential hazard, as well as debunk common fears and myths associated with nuclear technologies.

Teaching children the nuclear and radiation safety basics involves different approaches, depending on the country, level of nuclear energy sector development and potential radiation hazards. Most often, teaching children the nuclear and radiation safety is integrated into school physics curriculum, additional lessons on emergency situations are held at the sites near nuclear power plants and nuclear facilities, and utilities implement the educational projects.

To help the students better understand complex NRS concepts and make correct decisions in radiation hazard situation, the developers offer:

• Game lessons: integration of game elements into teaching process, such as points, levels, and rewards which increase the students’ motivation to study the topic;
• Virtual reality (VR): creation of VR-scenarios where students can virtually visit a nuclear power plant or train on evacuation in the event of radiation hazard, this ensures deep immersion in the topic;
• Augmented reality (AR): use of AR-applications to visualize radiation processes or simulate the accident consequences helps the students better understand the abstract concepts;
• Mobil applications: development of applications with interactive tests, recommendations and simulation of actions in emergency situations allows the students to learn in a format convenient for them.

As a result, due to the non-trivial presentation, children get an idea of safety culture, increase general awareness (children learn to understand the benefits and risks of using nuclear technologies). With the help of game training, children know how to respond to the emergencies and behave in case of a hazard. Constant work in this field stimulates the interest in STEM disciplines.

This article considers the most successful cases of educational initiatives in the field of nuclear safety implemented in different countries, which contributed to the increase of awareness and interest of children and youth.

Design your NPP

The LEGO company, one of the world’s largest toy manufacturers, launched the LEGO Ideas project in the framework of which the nuclear power plant and nuclear reactor designs were submitted. For example, Vincent Lamirand, the nuclear reactor physicist from the Laboratory of Reactor Physics and Systems Behavior at Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland built an interactive LEGO model of CROCUS reactor to teach physics and nuclear engineering students on reactor experiments and radiation detection. The toy model includes the following main components: reactor vessel, core loaded with fuel, absorber rods and cooling systems, detectors, etc. The reactor vessel and core can be removed for more detailed study, simulation of nuclear fuel loading and unloading process, control of moving elements such as safety devices or absorber rods.

Such approach allows to visualize complex technical processes, contributes to active involvement in learning process and eases the complex topic comprehension barrier, makes learning more interesting and less abstract, as well as allows to practice basic nuclear facility management skills in safe manner.

World`s Nuclear and Radiation Safety Education Case Studies for Children and Youth

Australia

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO) engages the students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with particular focus on improving the understanding of nuclear science and technology and increasing youth interest in nuclear energy careers.

In August 2018, ANSTO introduced a virtual reality app to engage students, teachers and also the general public on a virtual reality tour of Australia’s OPAL multi-purpose reactor and to explore ANSTO science virtually at the scale of an atom. The App has been extremely popular with school children and students and is available through the App store and Google Play for free download. It was also featured by Apple amongst the top education apps since it was launched.

Virtual reality can demonstrate effectively the invisible world of atoms and provides insight into the benefits of OPAL multipurpose reactor.

Belgium

In Belgium, due to collaboration between Belgian National Agency for Radioactive Waste and Enriched Fissile Materials (ONDRAF/NIRAS) and Belgian Nuclear Research Center (SCK CEN), a role-playing game called “The Disposal Mayors” was developed for students aged 16 and older. In the course of the game, the students discuss possible construction of geological repository in their municipality and challenges relating to this issue.

The game is envisaged for the groups consisting from 12 to 25 participants. No technical knowledge is required to play this game, since the focus is the social and political aspects. The participants take different roles: mayors, municipal councilors, public representatives, environmental activists, scientists, etc. In the course of the game they shall discuss all the aspects relating to geological repository design: Is such a waste repository safe enough? Are there any alternatives to disposal? Does the public trust in such initiative? What social and economic benefits can it bring? Who is going to cover the expenses?

Between April 2019 and March 2020, almost 1000 students played the game. The game contributed to the formation of critical thinking and debate culture among the students, engaging young people in socially significant topics related to nuclear safety and radioactive waste management.

Great Britain

The STEM Ambassadors Programme exists for more than 20 years in the United Kingdom. It is funded with the support of the government and industry partners. It is national initiative which involves the experts from STEM-related fields to promote these fields among young people.

The STEM Ambassadors are experts, researchers, students and teachers sharing their experience with young people on a voluntary basis. Over 80% of the UK schools interacted with the ambassadors at least once. They visit schools, universities, youth centers, conduct master-classes, lectures, STEM days, competitions, hackathons, as well as support educational projects, extracurricular activities and career fairs.

Thus, they demonstrate real-life examples of successful STEM careers, help the students to develop practical knowledge and skills, and challenge gender and social barriers, encourage girls, students from low-income families and minorities to participate in STEM.

The UK STEM Ambassadors programme has identified the students aged 11 to 18 as a category for whom nuclear and radiation safety education is vital. The ambassadors developed an interactive card game called RAD Ratings which introduces students to the principles of radioactive decay, shielding and use of radioactive isotopes. Each of 30 cards includes an image of radionuclides widely used in nuclear energy, proton and neutron numbers, half-life, cost, generation source, use and potential environmental impact. The game can be played in two ways: quiz or competition between the participants using the information on the cards. The game is available to anyone who speaks English: the game cards and description can be downloaded from the website for free.

The Dalton Nuclear Institute at the University of Manchester offers a range of online tools and games to help students learn about nuclear power:

• A nuclear reactor simulator where the students take the role of reactor operator;
• A card game called “Where Does Your Power Come From” comparing energy sources and their impact on the environment;
• A paper puzzles which children can use to learn the concepts by means of asking random questions on nuclear energy;
• An augmented reality mobile app.

With the help of mobile app, the users can point their smartphone camera at a character to watch the informative video explaining the character role in geological disposal system. The app’s colorful characters represent key aspects of radioactive waste management:

• Rocky represents the rock which is main protection of geological repository;
• Ray is gamma radiation which is one of the types of radiation exposure associated with radioactive materials. The character helps to explain the radiation nature and ways of protection;
• Rob represents the technologies and robotic systems used for safe radioactive waste management;
• Shell represents waste inventory and transport, key part of the process associated with safe transport to storage or disposal sites.

As we can see, the UK successfully implements the educational projects for the students and youth which can serve as an example for other countries, in particular, for the development of national STEM education strategies.

Spain

Spain actively implements the innovative educational initiatives aimed at raising nuclear and radiation safety awareness of children and youth. These programs combine contemporary technologies, gamification and multidisciplinary approach to effective study.

The Escape Box is an educational initiative developed by ENRESA, Spanish radioactive waste management company. This innovative game aims at familiarization of high school students with the processes of radioactive waste management at El Cabril disposal facility for very low, low and intermediate level radioactive waste located within the municipal area Córdoba, Spain.

The Escape Box is an interactive escape room game which combines quest and training elements. During the game, the players shall solve a number of tasks relating to radioactive waste management to open all the locks and reach the goal. The game starts with presentation of ENRESA’s activities, El Cabril disposal facility and radioactive waste disposal concept. After that the students have 45 minutes for waste conditioning and placing to the appropriate disposal facility. For this purpose, they need to open five boxes using codes or keys and instructions which they receive by answering the questions relating to radioactive waste management.

During COVID-19 pandemic, when physical visits were limited, the ENRESA developed the online version of the Escape Box allowing the students to learn about radioactive waste management processes and complete the quest online.

The MadPIX Project, initiated by MediPix Collaboration of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), provides Madrid schools with specific MiniPIX Edu detectors designed to study the radiation. The students can measure natural radiation background, conduct research and exchange the data via the cloud. This project contributes to the development of scientific literacy and practical skills among school students.

In Spain, there is also an organization called Jóvenes Nucleares (Nuclear Youth) which goal is to promote knowledge and experience transfer to older and younger generations of nuclear sector experts, disseminate knowledge on nuclear energy and technologies relating to ionizing radiation use, encourage the communication and discussions about nuclear energy and ionizing radiation use, and promote the involvement of young experts in this sector activities.

The organization’s experts developed a number of educational games for children:

• Radiomon: a Pokémon-style game where the students study the radiation and radioisotopes by collecting and exploring virtual objects.
• Nuclear Operator: the online game which allows the students to act as nuclear plant operator completing the tasks and making decisions on safety.
• Soles Rojos: an interactive book game where the students choose their own way of learning nuclear energy, making decisions which affect the action.

Spanish experience demonstrates the innovative approach to children and youth awareness of nuclear and radiation safety emphasizing the interactivity and technology. Combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience allows to involve the students in solving realistic tasks, modeling of scenarios and conducting radiation safety research. Educational tools not only increase the students` interest, but also form critical thinking, responsible attitude to safety and stimulate interest in STEM-related fields.

Canada

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) developed the learning game called Gamma Gear which allows the students to learn the basics of radiation physics through interactive levels. The players learn to detect radiation sources, understand protection principles and radioactive decay processes. The game is available on CNSC Learning Portal and was created in collaboration with Spectral Labs using RAILS platform originally developed for training of the United States emergency response services.

Starting from 1993 the Let’s Talk Science Initiative offers educational programs for youth and STEM educators. Training modules, videos and articles covering nuclear energy and radiation topics and topics relating to their use were created in collaboration with CNSC. The annual Let’s Talk Science Challenge is organized for 6-8 grade students in the framework of the program. The challenge includes quizzes and engineering tasks aimed at teamwork and creative thinking improvement.

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) supports a number of the young generation engagement programs. In particular, NWMO runs a two-week summer camp for 6 to 12 aged children and teenagers. Children attend the hands-on labs for various fields of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

Together with the partners, NMWO hosts the welcome events on nuclear safety in Ontario, Canada. During these events, the local community learn about the nuclear sector innovations. Using virtual reality headsets, the teenagers have the opportunity to take a 3D tour to be guided through the spent fuel disposal facility and the youngest visitors are allowed to color the spent fuel multi-barrier system.

The NMWO gives the opportunity for the school graduates and students to immerse into one of 20 scenarios and feel like an employee of the spent fuel disposal facility using virtual reality.

Canada demonstrates a comprehensive approach to the promotion of nuclear and radiation safety knowledge among young generation, integrating the educational tools with technological innovations. Such approach contributes to the increase of the interest in STEM disciplines and critical thinking improvement in the context of addressing real-world challenges associated with energy and environmental safety.

USA

Many States in USA, especially in the areas near nuclear power plants, support the educational programs for children. The Regulator’s website contains safety crosswords, puzzles and pictures to color. All materials are available for free download. The American Nuclear Society, together with Discovery Education offer virtual field trips to nuclear power plants, video lessons with interactive graphics, chain reaction simulations.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) actively develops the educational programs for children aimed at explaining the issues related to radiation and nuclear safety, especially in the context of space exploration. The Agency offers the plans of lessons for school teachers and adapts the tasks, considering children`s age. To explain how radiation affects the human body and why protective covering is important during space flights, the students of 5–8 grades study the radiation effect comparing the radiation exposure on Earth and in space. During practical training, they create a protective covering for Potato Astronaut to protect him from the microwave oven radiation. To understand the risks associated with radiation and how to minimize them during space missions, the high school students study different types of radiation, radiation effect on DNA and protection methods. The TimPix project is a research initiative focused on student engagement in science and raising awareness of space radiation. Students analyze real-time data from the International Space Station (ISS) collected during the mission of Tim Pix, the astronaut. For preschoolers and elementary school students, there is NASA Kids’ Club, an interactive online platform with games and tasks which introduces children to the basics of science, including space and safety topics to form basic understanding of scientific concepts through the game.

In the United States, the educational programs on nuclear and radiation safety intended for children offer the innovative formats: comics, virtual trips, video with interactive graphics, creative tasks, simulations and online platforms. It is important that the materials are adapted to children`s age (from pictures to color and games for the youngest to analytical tasks with real scientific data for high school students.

Sweden

The Strålande jord (“Radioactive Earth”) project, designed at Uppsala University in cooperation with the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), involves the students of 6-8 grades in gathering mushrooms, taking soil samples and collecting animal scat to analyze caesium-137 content. The project not only teaches children the radiation safety basics, but also allows them to participate in real-life research, promoting the scientific literacy and understanding of ecological processes.

The Uppzala University developed a computer game which helps children with cancer to prepare for the radiotherapy. The game simulates the treatment process, including protective mask wearing and lying still which result in anxiety in children. While playing, children go through virtual procedures, learn fear overcome strategies and receive rewards for successfully completion of stages. This approach contributes to the reduction of the need for general anesthesia during radiotherapy and improves the psychological state of the patients.

The Swedish approach to NRS education is practical and child-centered. By engaging the students in real research and using play-based solutions in complex situations, such as medical treatment, children not only gain new knowledge, but also learn to cope with stress and better understand the world around them.

 Japan

Following the Fukushima-Daiichi accident, Japan’s Ministry of Education added radiation-related content to physics curricula and instructed the teachers to implement NRS (Nuclear and Radiation Safety) education. However, the teachers lacked sufficient materials. To address this, the Ministry experts developed the Quartet Game, a card game designed to be used as educational material for elementary school students.

The Quartet Game is an educational type card game for children which can be played simultaneously by four or five players. The players ask each other the questions: Is the fact written on the card true or false? If the answer is correct, the player gets the card. The questions are divided by the topics, for example, “Radiation and Space”, “Research History”, “Medical Use”, “Nuclear Disasters”, “Actions during Nuclear Accident”, etc. The goal is to get a set of four cards on one topic, then to shout “quartet” and put these four cards in front of other players. The one who collected most of the “quartets” is the winner.

To test the game effectiveness, the developers conducted a research in Fukushima Prefecture with involvement of 89 students. The results showed that more than 95% of survey participants understood the rules well, enjoyed the game and learned something new about radiation.

Ukraine has What to Say and What to Show

Ukraine is one of the world`s countries which suffered nuclear disaster. Each year, on the anniversary of the disaster happened on 26 April, the schools conduct the Memorial Day and educational hours. The topics of the lessons include discussion of the events of 1986: the heroism of the liquidators and disaster consequences for the environment. High school students are offered to watch Chernobyl disaster documentary video pieces, as well as visit expositions dedicated to the tragedy.

The S.T.A.L.K.E.R series developed by Ukrainian company GSC Game World best reminds of Chornobyl tragedy. The first part of the game “Shadow of Chornobyl was released in 2007, “Clear Sky” – in 2008 and third part “Call of Prypiat”- in 2009. The S.T.A.L.K.E.R.2 sequel: Heart of Chornobyl was released in November 2024 only. It became a real sensation for game fans. The action takes place in the 21^st century in Ukraine but in alternative universe. The development of the game has been affected by the full-scale invasion. The game became a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and cultural resistance.

A number of facts which demonstrate the game unprecedented popularity:

• More than 1 million copies of the game were sold in the first 48 hours after release. As of March 2025, the game includes 6 million players on all platforms.
• In the first five days upon S.T.A.L.K.E.R.2 release, the players spent on average 7.6 hours in the game, which demonstrates high engagement.
• The number of Ukrainian-speaking Twitch streamers increased by 31%, and on the day of a major release, 413 Ukrainian channels were recorded which became a record for Ukrainian-speaking segment of the platform.

In 2021, a radiation awareness information campaign “Step to Safety” was held in Ukraine under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (USA). The campaign goal is to raise public awareness of the risks of owning and storing the radiation sources (RS) which will also increase health and public safety level and reduce the nuclear terrorism threat.

The 3D runner ION was created as part of the campaign. It is virtual trip of a teenager whose name is Ion. During Health Class he learned about radiation sources and harm which can pose the radiation sources in the hands of children or adults. Therefore, armed with knowledge about the rules of behavior with radiation sources, Ion decides to clean his world from radioactive waste.

The LOST comic book, freely available for the teenagers, is an interesting graphic novel about a group of teenagers who found unknown energy source. Upon founding, the heroes become famous twice. First time, when they scared the town with terrifying looks during a holiday. And second time, when they were found lifeless and adjacent area was contaminated. The comics were created based on a tragic incident in Brazilian city of Goiânia. After this incident, a strict global controls on radiation sources were introduced worldwide.

The Zrozumilo platform offers the educational online course “CBRN Threats: From A to Z”. The course contains the information on radiation, chemical and biological threats, actions in the event of an accident at a nuclear facility or nuclear attack, as well as separate lecture on hostile nation infoterror and effect of propaganda. The course includes the introduction video and 5 lectures dedicated to 5 different types of threats. Lectures by Glib Repich, PhD in Chemistry, and Oksana Moroz, founder of the info-hygiene initiative “How Not to Become a Pod Person”, take from 10 to 20 minutes. You can join the course for free.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine, together with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and with the support of UNICEF, developed an educational series for children, parents and youth for Diia Digital Education portal. In six series, the characters pass through real-life emergencies: from fires and hazards posed by the water or mountains to chemical and radiation threats and hazards during war. The second series includes the emergency bag preparation, considering radiation and chemical threats, room protection from radioactive dust or chemicals, use of individual protection means, etc.

Recommendations on How to Answer the Children`s Questions about Nuclear Disasters

 Ukrainian children, even those living in relatively safe regions, have heard about the probability of nuclear accident at NPP or nuclear strike many times since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. In their mobile phones, children have access to both true images, videos and information, and disinformation.

Fear of nuclear devastation can have a lifelong impact on children, said Nathaniel N. Ivers, an associate professor of counseling at Wake Forest University. A threat of nuclear detonation may create in children a profound awareness of their mortality and vulnerability:

“Children know there is very little they can do to protect themselves if a nuclear bomb were to hit their area, which can create feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. It also can create a sense of nihilism, especially in older children and adolescents”.

For children who have a prior history of trauma, seeing disturbing images may be even more distressing and triggering and they might require increased reassurance and support, Griffin said.

The examples of the answers given by the professor in his interview.

Child: What nuclear weapons are?

Adult: The weapons are explosive devices used in warfare that are capable of releasing tremendous amounts of energy and causing widespread harm and damage.

Child: Are we in danger of being hit with nuclear weapons?

Adult: The leaders around the world are responsible for ensuring that nuclear warfare doesn’t occur, and that people learned from past instances just how devastating the effects of nuclear warfare can be.

Child: So, we’ll just all be dead?

Adult: That’s very unlikely. We’ll be there if it ever happens.

General comments of Nathaniel Ivers while communicating with children on nuclear strike or nuclear war:

• Lead with the truth, but tell the facts in such a way that the child could emotionally handle with received information;
• With younger kids, speak simply and avoid discussing scary topics in detail. With adolescents, honesty is the best policy;
• Upon answering the critical questions, you should talk about what can help the child to calm down;
• If a child has a fear of nuclear power plants and think that a person can easily make a mistake and then everything will explode, just tell a child about the benefits of nuclear power plants, how the atom serves the mankind, what safety measures are implemented, that one mistake does not result in accident and that the accidents are very rare. Tell that adults reached the conclusions after Chornobyl accident, that there are many professionals (firefighters, rescuers, police officers) protecting public peace and that you will take care of the child’s safety.

The NRS education is gaining special attention in Ukraine both in view of tragic legacy of Chornobyl disaster and contemporary threats caused by the full-scale invasion of russian federation into Ukraine. It is the adults` task to spark children’s interest in NRS, for them in crisis situation not to panic, response promptly and help others. This knowledge can save lives, and early awareness gives the faith of control and reduces anxiety. For Ukrainians, the radiation risk topic is not an abstract theory but real challenge dealing with collective memory, environmental safety and national security, that is why it is necessary to combine memories of the past, understanding of current threats and preparedness to act in crisis situations.

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