Ygam Launches New Program at Crucial Time for Young Gamers

Ygam, the 2014-founded charity dedicated to preventing gaming and gambling harm among young people in the UK, has launched a fresh new program. 

New Program at the Right Time

Aimed at supporting and protecting young gamers in an increasingly connected world, the Gaming & Esports Program is the leading charity’s latest addition to their award-winning harm prevention work.

Specifically designed to educate young players, their families, and industry professionals regarding safe gaming practices, the new initiative arrives at a crucial time when the global esports market is booming, and projections go over the $10.9 billion mark by 2032. 

In the UK alone, over 80% of 16–24-year-olds played video games last year, and a vast majority of them preferred to go online do to it. 

With so many young people immersed in digital environments, the need for education around online safety has never been greater.

Covering Key Areas

Ygam’s program digs into several critical areas that usually get overlooked. 

The list includes important topics like virtual currencies, the purchase of in-game virtual goods with micropayments, and the influence of in-game advertising on players.

It also includes a thorough analysis of the impact that gaming has on players’ mental health, a sensitive topic that should benefit from wider coverage worldwide. 

The charity that safeguards “millions of children and young people every year” using various “award-winning, evidence-based programs, delivered to those in positions of care and influence” also highlighted the positives. 

Here, Ygam mentioned the growing career opportunities in esports and the importance of inclusivity within gaming communities.

The program’s strong start featured a pilot session delivered to young people from the Sheffield United Community Foundation and esports students at Sheffield Hallam University. 

Held at the National Video Game Museum, the session received enthusiastic feedback and confirmed the value of this kind of targeted education.

“It’s vital we recognize the central role gaming plays in the digital lives that children lead today,” said Sacha Kent, program lead for Gaming & Esports. 

“This new program marks an important step in helping young people enjoy gaming safely, with the knowledge and tools to better understand potential risks and harms.”

The program has also drawn support from political leaders and gaming communities alike. 

Charlotte Nichols MP praised Ygam’s proactive approach, speaking about their “good work” of raising “challenging issues” and addressing them “to make gaming a safer place.”

“I am glad to work with them to do this,” Kent added. 

Lia Thompson, president of the Gaming & Esports Society at Sheffield Hallam University, echoed the sentiment, asking for “more awareness” and greater attention to the impact of problematic behaviors.

So far, nearly 100 people have taken part in the program through pilot sessions and events with the Newcastle United Foundation. Ygam will continue rolling out open sessions across the UK throughout April and May.