In a collaborative effort, renowned charities GamCare, Ygam, and Fast Forward have introduced a pioneering Gambling Education Framework. This initiative aims to equip educators with evidence-based principles, ensuring a comprehensive approach to educating young people between the ages of 7 and 24. The framework, developed without any industry funding or influence, caters to both formal and informal teaching environments, making it adaptable for use in and out of schools.
Development of the Framework:
The principles outlined in the framework are a result of input from the Gambling Prevention Education Forum, a coalition of organizations dedicated to delivering gambling prevention education to children. This inclusive approach ensures a well-rounded and effective strategy for addressing the impact of gambling on young minds.
Charities as Ambassadors of Best Practice:
GamCare, Ygam, and Fast Forward not only present the framework but also commit to implementing their own education services in alignment with these principles. By acting as ambassadors of best practice, they aim to set a standard for others in the industry, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based solutions in addressing gambling-related harms.
GamCare CEO Anna Hemmings:
Emphasizing the need for evidence-based solutions, Hemmings underscores the framework’s role in facilitating straightforward, accessible, and scalable approaches to educating young people. The goal is to elevate discussions about gambling harms and ensure that education on this issue receives the attention it deserves, comparable to education on other risky behaviors.
Ygam CEO Dr. Jane Rigbye:
Dr. Rigbye positions the framework as a practical resource for both the gambling harm prevention sector and the education sector. By promoting the exchange of best practices and collaboration, the framework seeks to maximize its impact on preventing gambling-related harms among young individuals.
Fast Forward CEO Allie Cherry-Byrnes:
Taking an evidence-based approach to harm prevention is deemed essential by Cherry-Byrnes. The framework, regarded as the most comprehensive of its kind, aligns with the PSHE Association guidance on effective preventative education. This ensures that the principles developed are in line with established standards for educational efficacy.
In unveiling this groundbreaking Gambling Education Framework, GamCare, Ygam, and Fast Forward have not only provided a valuable tool for educators but have also committed to exemplifying best practices in their own initiatives. This collaborative effort, free from industry influence, stands as a testament to the dedication of these charities in addressing and preventing the potential harms of gambling on the younger generation. As these evidence-based principles find their way into classrooms and informal education settings, the hope is that they will foster a generation of informed individuals equipped to make responsible choices regarding gambling.