The Pet Squad, from an Educational Perspective

Hello, I am Andrea Gutiérrez, a social educator and collaborator in the development of The Pet Squad. Today, I want to talk about technology, especially video games, and their impact on childhood, trying to keep my opinion as unbiased as possible. My goal is neither to defend nor demonize their use, nor to judge how families educate at home, but rather to reflect on how they can be a tool for both entertainment and development from an educational perspective.

I am particularly interested in analyzing the reactions I have observed in children aged 8 to 12 when playing The Pet Squad. At our exhibitions, many children are drawn in by the colors, animals, and music. Although they may feel a bit unsure at first, their enthusiasm is contagious.

One thing that has surprised me is how easily these children handle touch devices like smartphones and tablets, a skill typical of those who have grown up with technology in their hands. The older ones, especially boys, also feel comfortable using a game controller. However, when faced with a mouse and keyboard, many experience difficulties. Some feel frustrated and give up due to the challenge, but most demonstrate a remarkable ability to solve problems and a positive attitude toward the game, often outperforming adults.

This makes me wonder: why not take advantage of this innate curiosity and the fun that video games provide if they help foster children’s development? What does our game contribute in this regard?

Since The Pet Squad is designed for computers, it requires the use of a keyboard and mouse, which improves hand-eye coordination and motor skills, developing a skill that will be useful in their academic future.

Cognitively, the puzzles and challenges within the game stimulate logical thinking and problem-solving skills through strategies based on repetitive mechanics.

At this stage, when children begin to think more abstractly, these types of games are especially beneficial. Creating paths, calculating distances, and solving spatial problems help develop their imagination, spatial and geometric vision, and, consequently, their understanding of the world around them.

Another important aspect is following instructions. In the game, Gina explains the rules and guides children through different tasks, fostering the development of reading comprehension and the ability to follow rules. Additionally, by taking on the role of TPS operators and animal caretakers, children learn about the responsibilities of their daily tasks and duties.

The Pet Squad also encourages creativity and imagination. By offering multiple solutions for each level, the game invites children to think outside the box and find their own strategies. Facing these challenges teaches them to handle frustration and develop the resilience needed to try again after failure.

At this age, children’s emotions and personalities begin to take shape, along with their understanding of social constructs (death, friendship, good and evil, fear, respect for animals…). They also start forming hobbies and strengthening friendships in preparation for adolescence, gradually expanding their social circle beyond their family.

This game combines fun and learning, helping to reinforce values that we would like them to have if we reflect with them on the story and characters. It also helps develop fundamental skills. Moreover, it can be an enriching experience for everyone to face challenges together, practice assertive communication, and discuss strategies to progress in the game. This not only strengthens family communication and relationships but also makes children feel capable and appreciated, knowing that their opinions and ideas matter, even if they are not always correct. This boosts their self-esteem.

In conclusion, while The Pet Squad is not the only game that can contribute to children’s development, and despite its PEGI rating being higher than the analyzed age range, I believe it offers a series of benefits that make it a valuable educational tool. Ultimately, the key is ensuring that the content children access through technology—just like in other areas—is age-appropriate, positive, and that they have support and supervision from adults to enjoy the experience in an enriching way.