WHEN A STORY CHANGES THE CLASSROOM: DIGITAL NARRATIVES AS A TOOL FOR FOSTERING EMPATHY AND INCLUSION

Abstract

Digital narratives, particularly animated films, are increasingly recognized as powerful educational tools capable of fostering empathy and promoting inclusive values among school - age children. This study examined how viewing the animated film Jonathan fro m Seagull Mountain contributes to the development of empathy and understanding of diversity among primary school students in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A mixed -methods design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. The sample comprised 214 students aged 9 to 15 years from four cities (Tuzla, Sarajevo, Zenica, and Mostar), while a purposive subsample of 32 students participated in four focus groups. Data were collected through a structured post -viewing questionnaire and semi-structured focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data from focus group transcripts were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results indicate that the film elicited positive emotional responses in the majority of participants, with 78.6% expressing a desire to help the protagonist and 78.0% reporting increased motivation to support peers who are different from them. Girls demonstrated markedly higher levels of affective empathy than boys, with the most pronounced difference recorded on the item relating to sadness over the protagonist's exclusion (86.5% vs. 53.6%). Thematic analysis identified five main themes: emotional experience of the narrative, development of empathy and acceptan ce of diversity, peer support and moral responsibility, symbolic elements, and student recommendations for more inclusive school practices. The findings confirm the potential of digital narratives as a pedagogical tool for developing empathy and inclusive attitudes among primary school students. *Correspondence author: Bratov čić Vesna, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation, University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina E-mail: vesna.bratovcic@untz.ba Bratovčić Vesna, Avdić Benjamin, Šarić Edina Research in Education and Rehabilitation 2026; 9 (1): 70-85 DOI: 10.51558/2744-1555.2026.9.1.70 71