Leading anti-gambling charities have launched a new framework for the UK’s education sector to use when educating young people about gambling harm.
The charities, GamCare, Ygam and Fast Forward, say they will provide evidence-based principles for use by educators in its Gambling Education Framework.
Charity representatives say the principles developed were free of industry funding or influence.
The principles are designed for teaching young people between the ages of 7 and 24 – in paid and voluntary teaching environments – covering both formal and informal settings. The framework is, therefore, designed for use both in and out of schools.
Charities have established this framework with input from the Gambling Prevention Education Forum, which includes organisations delivering gambling prevention education to children.
Alongside their new framework, GamCare, Ygam and Fast Forward have pledged to deliver their own education services in line with the framework, acting as ambassadors of best practice.
GamCare CEO Anna Hemmings said: “The framework builds on our existing work with young people and highlights the need for evidence-based solutions that are straightforward, accessible, and scalable.
“The framework will support professionals to raise the conversation about gambling harms and ensure education on this issue gains parity with education about other risky behaviours.”
Ygam CEO Dr Jane Rigbye added: “This framework is a practical resource for the gambling harm prevention sector and the education sector. We can maximise our impact through sharing best practices, exchanging knowledge and insights, and collaboration.”
And Fast Forward CEO Allie Cherry-Byrnes finished: “Taking an evidence-based approach to the prevention of harms is essential. This is the most comprehensive piece of work of its kind and the principles have been developed in line with the PSHE Association guidance on effective preventative education.”
