Online support now available to protect children from gambling

PARENTS can now get help to prevent their children from becoming addicted to gambling.

A national charity is working to prevent gambling in young people by training their guardians to support and protect them while online.

According to Ygam (Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust), 52% of children have had some experience of gambling, often through online gaming. 

“We recognise that the world of gaming, particularly video gaming, there’s lots of blurred lines that can cross into gambling habits,” said Lincoln-based Ryan Smith, Training and Engagement Manager, Ygam. 

Ryan explained how video games constantly evolve and now include in-game purchases such as ‘loot boxes’ and additional digital content which can encourage gambling-like behaviour. Compared to gaming 20 years ago, paying to play in-game has become commonplace and Ygam says that 1 in 4 young people have paid to open a digital box. 

He added: “Technology is great. Video games are great. We’re not anti-video games, they’re brilliant for the mind and for community, but there are risks involved.

“Are we asking them, what are your hobbies like? Are you into gaming? What are your gaming habits like?”

The organisation was founded in 2014 by recovering gambler Lee Willows and Anne and Keith Evans who had lost their son to suicide due to the impact of gambling he experienced from a young age. 

Their joint mission was to provide the knowledge and skills to start conversations around gaming and its links to gambling, to ensure no other family would experience the same loss.

“What we offer is completely free training to professionals and parents that work with young people and 99% of those that come to our training feel more equipped to identify and respond to gambling harms.

“We cover mental health, wellbeing, gaming and gambling and the blurred lines between those, how to spot signs of harm, what does it look like if someone’s gaming a bit too much, what does it look like if they’re struggling with those gambling habits - we break all that down.

“Don’t be scared to have these conversations with young people because it could in effect save their life at some point.”

Ygam offers both in-person and online fully funded, evidence-based training to help identify and respond to gambling and gaming issues in young people aged seven to 25. Tailored programs are also available for teachers, GPs, youth workers and community services to equip learners with the practical tools to start conversations with young people. 

For more information, visit www.ygam.org