Safeguarding against gaming and gambling harms in Greater Manchester

By YGAM | 23 September 2025 | TAGS: "Children and young people", "Young People", Gambling

Today’s young people are growing up in a world where so much of life happens online. From connecting with friends to exploring new interests, the digital space is at the heart of their daily experiences. Two activities that now take place predominantly online are video gaming and gambling.

While they are distinct, the lines between them are increasingly becoming blurred in many instances, which underlines the need for proactive measures to protect young people. That’s why it is so important that we educate, support, and safeguard young people here in Greater Manchester - helping them to enjoy the benefits of the digital world while keeping them safe.

We’re inviting coaches, volunteers, and parents from across Greater Manchester and the North West to join our next free online training session on Monday 20 October 2025, from 18:00pm.

Book your place now

A recent Mumsnet survey, commissioned by Ygam, also found that teenage boys now spend more time gaming than they do in school, with an average of 34 hours per week dedicated to video games. Parents are deeply concerned as 78% worry about excessive screen time, and 52% have seen gambling-style mechanisms in the games their children play.

Findings from the Gambling Commission’s Young People and Gambling 2024 report found that more than 1 in 4 (27%) of 11 to 17-year-olds in the UK have spent their own money on gambling in the past year, with 3.4% either experiencing ‘problem gambling’ or are at risk. Exposure to gambling advertising is also on the rise, with 62% of young people seeing ads online and 64% offline.

Parents are calling for more preventative education in schools, with 91% supporting lessons on gaming harms and 83% backing lessons on gambling harms. Most parents felt this education should begin in primary school, yet only 40% said they were aware of their child having received any such education.

Ygam is the UK's leading charity dedicated to preventing gaming and gambling harms among young people through awareness raising, education and research. Our award-winning training is designed to bridge the generational knowledge gap between young people and the adults who support them

With the digital world evolving rapidly, many professionals and caregivers feel unprepared to address the challenges young people face online. Ygam’s free certified training empowers participants to become confident digital mentors - equipped to identify risks, start meaningful conversations, and signpost support when needed.

Informed by research and lived experience, our training is suitable for teachers, youth workers, health and social care practitioners, community leaders, and parents. Participants will gain practical strategies for digital safeguarding and learn more about topics like:

• The blurred lines between gaming and gambling
• The influence of advertising and sponsorship
• The impact on mental health and wellbeing
• Spotting the changes in behaviour that may signal harm.

All delegates who complete the training will also gain access to our extensive library of award-winning resources, as well as ongoing support as a member of the Ygam Alumni Network.

A healthy digital life is increasingly recognised as a vital part of a young person’s overall wellbeing. When young people are empowered to make informed choices online, they are better positioned to lead healthier balanced and more active lives offline too.

Ready to join us, and ensure our young people can lead safe and healthy digital lives? Join our next free online training session on Monday 20 October 2025, from 18:00-20:30.