Boffins have teamed up with computer game developers to build a video game that teaches kids how to resolve conflicts peacefully amongst themselves.

The game uses inanimate objects, such as pencils and erasers, to lead players through a series of common scenarios in which arguments are about to happen. The player is prompted for the non-violent solution and is rewarded for choosing correctly.

Melanie Killen, human development expert at the University of Maryland in College Park said that the game helps kids resolve conflicts by giving them a chance to think about what happens during conflict.

Dubbed "Cool School: Where Peace Rules" has players rewarded for choosing positive solutions to resolve conflicts with letters they collect to win. "What this game is doing is it's empowering children to make choices and decisions and to see what unfolds based on their own decisions," Dr. Killen said.

The game is free and can be downloaded by here www.curriki.com and searching for "cool school." although we doubt it is as exciting as shooting something.