A new partnership between Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) and the National Youth Agency (NYA) will deliver targeted training for youth workers to better understand and respond to the risks associated with online gaming and gambling harms. The initiative aims to strengthen early intervention and support mechanisms for children and young people in the UK who may be vulnerable to harmful online play and betting behaviours.
The programme comes amid increasing concern about the intersection of online gaming, gambling‑like mechanics and digital risk exposure among young people, a trend that has drawn the attention of educators, policymakers and health professionals.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps in the Youth Sector
Youth workers often serve as frontline contacts for children and adolescents navigating digital spaces. However, many practitioners have reported a lack of targeted training on the specific risks associated with online gaming and gambling, particularly in identifying early warning signs of harm and making appropriate referrals to support services.
The YGAM–NYA partnership seeks to bridge this gap by developing a structured education programme that covers:
- Core concepts in online gaming and gambling behaviours
- Recognition of risk indicators and behavioural changes
- Communication strategies for discussing gaming and gambling harm with young people and families
- Referral pathways to specialised support and intervention services
The training will be delivered through a combination of workshops, online modules, and collaborative sessions that empower youth sector professionals to intervene before harm escalates.
Linda Scollins Smith, Director of Programmes and Insight & Innovation at Ygam said,
We are delighted to partner with the National Youth Agency. We must be alert to the emerging risks young people face, and you can’t have a conversation about their online habits and safety without addressing gaming. Youth workers are well placed to have conversations with young people about their online habits, so it’s essential they are equipped with the right knowledge and skills to safeguard and support them effectively. By combining our expertise with NYA’s reach and influence, we can make a real difference in empowering young people to live healthy and safe digital lives.
Growing Need for Awareness and Early Intervention
Recent research has highlighted that exposure to gambling‑like features embedded in video games, social media ads, and peer influences can contribute to risky behaviours and normalisation of betting among younger cohorts. Youth workers are uniquely placed to spot early signs of distress or misuse but often lack the specific tools or confidence to do so effectively.
Initiatives like the YGAM–NYA programme seek to provide that foundation of knowledge and practical skills to help professionals respond appropriately — and in a way that respects developmental sensitivities.
The programme’s launch also comes against a backdrop of rising self‑exclusion and harm‑prevention engagement among younger groups. For instance, recent data from the UK’s GamStop self‑exclusion system shows notable increases in young adult registrations in the second half of 2025, underscoring the reality that digital‑native cohorts are engaging with gambling products and, in some cases, requiring support.
Partnership Focus: Shared Goals and Long‑Term Impact
The partnership between YGAM and NYA reflects a broader, cross‑sector commitment to building protective environments for children and young people in digital contexts. By working closely with youth organisations, local authorities and community groups, the programme aims to embed learning that can be sustained over time and adapted to local needs.
As part of the launch, YGAM and NYA have committed to:
- Developing practical toolkits for youth practitioners
- Establishing ongoing support networks for trained staff
- Collecting feedback to refine and improve training content over time
Stakeholders, including youth organisations and educational bodies, have welcomed the initiative as a much‑needed enhancement to existing safeguarding strategies in youth work.
Policy and Practice Implications
This initiative also aligns with wider policy conversations about protecting young people from online harms, particularly as gaming and gambling converge in digital spaces. Regulators and policymakers have increasingly called for clear education and awareness frameworks that empower those closest to young people with the knowledge to act.
By equipping frontline youth workers with targeted training, the YGAM–NYA programme may serve as a model for similar partnerships internationally, where early detection and appropriate referral can prevent more serious issues later in life.
As the programme rolls out across the UK, YGAM and NYA will engage with local youth services to expand participation and share best practices. The initiative’s success will be measured not only by the number of professionals trained but also by the quality of support provided to young people navigating digital play and gambling‑related risks.
In an era where digital entertainment and wagering increasingly intersect, the ability to recognise and address harm early and effectively will be a core component of youth work practice. This partnership marks a proactive step toward meeting that challenge.