‘Zak at University’ and ‘Young Zak the Gamer’ were developed in response to the UK Government’s Prevent strategy (launched in 2007), which aims to stop individuals from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. This strategy forms the preventative arm of the wider counter-terrorism framework known as CONTEST.
Developed through collaboration between Kent Police, the University of Kent, and Kent County Council, Zak at University was the first in the Zak series and was later followed by Young Zak the Gamer. Both tools offer innovative ways for educators to explore sensitive issues such as extremism, radicalisation, and internet safety—particularly in classroom contexts like PSHE and Citizenship.
Radicalisation is a growing concern, including on university campuses, with several real-life cases highlighting the need for early, preventative interventions. These simulations were designed specifically to help young people recognise the signs of radicalisation in a safe, non-judgemental environment—before they reach university age.
- Zak at University focused on the transitional period before higher education, offering a non-criminalised space for discussion and reflection.
- Young Zak the Gamer shifts the focus to upper primary and early secondary school, where online grooming and radicalisation risks may emerge at home during times of vulnerability and change.
Both simulations address more than just radicalisation: they also promote digital resilience and e-safety awareness. While Zak at University has now been retired—superseded by Maryam and Joe: Behind Closed Doors—Young Zak the Gamer remains an important and effective tool for engaging early teens in Prevent-related education.