YGAM widens educational scope with Parent Hub launch

The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) has launched its ‘Parent Hub’ website, aimed at supporting parents of young gamers with information concerning online safety.

Features on the new site include a range of custom designed tools and resources, such as a ‘Gaming Glossary’ and ‘Game Guides from select games across various platforms.

The charity intends to support parents using these resources by providing an example of the different mechanics and play styles available to children and young people.

Amanda Atkinson, Head of Delivery for YGAM’s Parent Programme, said: “It’s been fantastic to launch the newly designed Parent Hub this week. It has been a fascinating process as we have collaborated with parents, gamers, young people, academics and educators to create a website that gives enough information and support to parents without being overwhelming and inaccessible.”

The launch is a further extension of YGAM’s scope, following last month’s announcement that the gaming and gambling harm prevention and awareness group had partnered with RedCard and TalkGen to launch the ‘Preventing Gambling Harms in Diverse Communities Educational Initiative’.

“Our priority is safeguarding children and young people growing up in the online galaxy of gaming,” added Kev Clelland, Director of Operations at YGAM.

“A key part of this is demystifying the world of video games for parents and highlighting the many positive experiences gaming can provide whilst increasing their awareness of the potentially harmful aspects. 

“The Parent Hub will empower parents with the knowledge and understanding to help their children access the world of gaming in a safe and secure manner.” 

YGAM’s focus on educating the parents of young gamers comes as the presence of ‘loot boxes’ in video games falls under increasing scrutiny from gambling reform advocates.

Fellow responsible gaming charity GambleAware called for greater oversight of video game loot boxes earlier this month, citing research which reviewed the ‘psychological similarities between gambling and gaming.’