In a bold and innovative move, the Scouts organisation has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Ygam that is set to revolutionize the way young people view and engage with gambling. The initiative, aimed at fostering responsible attitudes towards gambling from an early age, is a game-changer in the world of youth education.
This dynamic collaboration between the Scouts and Ygam is designed to equip 10-to-14-year-olds with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed choices when it comes to gambling. By sponsoring the Sports Enthusiast Badge and incorporating three new resources focused on the connection between sports and gambling, Ygam is paving the way for a new era of youth empowerment and education.
The activities included in the redesigned badge are specifically crafted to enhance young people’s understanding of the potential risks associated with gambling and its impact on mental health and well-being. With recent research from the Gambling Commission revealing that a staggering 40% of 11 to 17 year-olds have had some experience with gambling in the past year, and 25% have even used their own money for gambling activities, the importance of this initiative cannot be overstated.
Furthermore, the resources provided through this partnership address the prevalence of gambling-like mechanisms in video games. In today’s digital age where 91% of UK children aged 3 to 15 play video games and 34% of 11 to 17-year-olds have purchased in-game items, it is crucial that young people are equipped with the knowledge to make responsible choices in this fast-paced and evolving landscape.
Dr. Jane Rigbye, CEO of Ygam, expressed her excitement about the collaboration with the Scouts, stating, “We’re thrilled to be working with the Scouts, recognised globally for its programmes and activities aimed at the development of young people. Our organisations share many values and objectives, and it’s great to launch these new badge requirements ahead of the summer holidays when we know children will typically be spending more time online. We’re excited about the impact we can achieve through this partnership, as a large and diverse youth network will gain access to our award-winning educational materials.”
With this innovative partnership between the Scouts and Ygam, the future of youth education on responsible gambling looks brighter than ever. By empowering young people with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions, this initiative is paving the way for a generation of responsible and well-informed individuals. The impact of this collaboration is sure to be felt for years to come, as young people across the country embrace a new era of responsible attitudes towards gambling.
