The Gambling Education Framework is specifically designed for the education sector and provides evidence-based principles for delivering effective gambling education for young people aged seven to 24. These principles can be applied in formal and informal settings, including schools. The framework has been developed in collaboration with the Gambling Prevention Education Forum, which consists of organizations involved in delivering gambling prevention education or training practitioners in this field. Importantly, the principles were developed without any industry funding or influence and can be utilized in all educational settings.
GamCare, YGAM, and Fast Forward have committed to delivering education in line with the framework and providing support to those offering gambling harm prevention education. The framework aligns with the public health approach outlined in the National Strategy for Reducing Gambling Harms.
GamCare CEO Anna Hemmings emphasizes the importance of the framework in raising awareness about gambling harms, stating, “The framework builds on our existing work with young people and highlights the need for evidence-based solutions that are straightforward, accessible, and scalable. It will support professionals in promoting conversations about gambling harms and ensure that education on this issue receives the same level of attention as education on other risky behaviors.”
The key principles outlined in the framework include the need for needs-led and evidence-based education that is tailored to the different stages of a young person’s life. The framework also emphasizes the importance of integrating gambling education into wider approaches and adopting a holistic perspective. Additionally, the framework recommends assessing and evaluating the delivery and impact of education programs, implementing continuous and repeated sessions, utilizing interactive and participatory techniques, and focusing on building protective factors and reducing risk factors.
The framework highlights the importance of delivering gambling education through trained professionals and using approaches that influence intention and motivation to change behaviors. Fast Forward CEO Allie Cherry-Byrnes expresses delight in collaborating with GamCare and YGAM to create the Gambling Education Framework and anticipates that it will become a valuable resource for education and prevention work related to gambling harms across the UK.
