To nurture the skills of resilience is key to providing young people with the ability to cope with stress, adversity, failure and challenges. Resilience is evident when young people have a greater ability to “bounce back” when faced with difficulties and achieve positive outcomes.
Resilience enables young people to recognise the risks relating to gambling and allow them to take measures to control their own gambling alongside being able to recognise gambling addiction in others and offer support.
The Issue Nationally
Gambling and gaming are a normal part of many young people’s lives, with online games, social media, esports, and mobile apps becoming increasingly popular. While most young people engage safely, some may be exposed to gambling-like features, such as loot boxes, in-game purchases, or betting opportunities, which can blur the line between gaming and gambling.
For some children and young people, gambling and gaming can affect their wellbeing, relationships, education, or finances. They may feel pressure to spend money, take risks online, or spend more time gaming than is healthy. Learning about these risks can help young people make informed choices and develop positive digital habits.
Parents, carers, and professionals also play an important role in helping children and young people understand gambling and gaming-related risks, recognise warning signs, and know where to seek support.
If you are concerned about a young person’s gambling or gaming habits, support and advice are available. We encourage young people, families, schools, and professionals to explore the resources below and contact relevant support services for guidance and assistance. Early support can help prevent small concerns from becoming bigger problems.
Ygam is a leading UK charity that works to prevent gambling and gaming-related harms among children and young people through education, awareness, and early intervention. The organisation provides free training, resources, and support for teachers, parents, carers, youth workers, and health professionals, helping trusted adults recognise potential risks and have informed conversations with young people about safer online behaviours. Ygam also offers a range of evidence-based lesson plans, activities, and guidance designed to help young people develop the knowledge and resilience needed to make safe and informed choices around gambling, gaming, and digital media. We encourage schools, families, and professionals to explore the resources available through Ygam to support positive wellbeing and informed decision-making.