Partnership between Ygam and Scouting UK to Educate Youth on Gambling Risks
Youth Gaming Association (Ygam) Joins Forces with Scouting UK to Enhance Youth's Awareness Regarding Gambling Issues
In a bid to combat the rising concerns of problem gambling among the youth, the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (Ygam) has formed a collaborative partnership with Scouting UK. The alliance aims to shed light on the intricacies of gambling for young minds, fostering a generation that is informed and equipped to make safer decisions.
The collaboration introduces an educational program focused on the interplay between sports, gaming, and gambling for scouts aged 10 to 14, incorporating the thrill of sports with critical education. This initiative, while not associated with a specific badge, is expected to leverage Ygam's award-winning educational materials, impacting Scouting UK's extensive and diverse youth network significantly.
Dr. Jane Rigbye, CEO of Ygam, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting the shared values and objectives between Ygam and Scouting UK. "The timing of launching these new educational requirements couldn't be better," she said, highlighting the significance of the summer holidays when children spend more time online.
Statistics from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) underscore the necessity of such initiatives, revealing that nearly half of 11-17 year-olds have participated in gambling activities in the past year. With 15% following a gambling operator on social media and 26% spending their own money on gambling, the urgency for intervention is evident. Furthermore, Ygam's research spotlights the allure of in-game purchases, such as loot boxes, indicating a concerning trend where a significant number of youth find video games enjoyable only when money is spent.
This partnership emerges in the face of increasing scrutiny over the inclusion of loot boxes in gambling reforms. Despite initial reluctance from the UK Government, mounting pressure has led to the introduction of new principles regarding loot box purchases, necessitating parental guidance without an outright ban for children.
As this initiative unfolds, it serves as a beacon of hope in addressing the interconnected challenges of gambling, gaming, and sports sponsorship awareness among the younger generation. By embedding crucial knowledge within the adventurous spirit of scouting, Ygam and Scouting UK are preparing the groundwork for a more informed and resilient future, safeguarding the well-being of young individuals against the risks of problem gambling. The focus on education and empowerment marks a significant step forward in the ongoing battle against gambling harms, promising a legacy of positive change for years to come.
Despite the thrill of sports, gaming, and gambling intertwining in various aspects of youth culture, this collaboration between Ygam and Scouting UK serves to educate scouts on such matters, thereby promoting informed decisions. However, while the program aims to foster a safer environment for young people, it's concerning to note that the allure of in-game purchases like loot boxes might inadvertently lead some youth towards problem gambling.
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