Key points:
- Ygam has launched a new Gaming & Esports Programme
- It will be aimed at young people, parents and carers
- Topics include microtransactions, evolving game mechanics, online safety and possible impacts on mental health
The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (Ygam) has announced its new Gaming & Esports Programme, which is focused on educated young people and their parents about the potential harms of the industry.
This comes after recent statistics have shown that 80% of 16-24 year olds played video games in 2024 and 83% of these played online at some point.
According to the charity, the global esports market is also expected to be worth $10.91bn by 2032.
With so many stakeholders, Ygam has highlighted the need for better education on microtransactions, different game mechanics and the possible consequences of pursuing a career in esports.
Sacha Kent, Programme Lead for Gaming & Esports, said: “It’s vital we recognise the central role gaming plays in the digital lives that children lead today.
“This new programme marks an important step in helping young people enjoy gaming safely, with the knowledge and tools to better understand potential risks and harms.
“Through our work with parents, young people, and professionals across sectors, we know there is a real demand for this kind of education. We’re incredibly proud and excited to begin delivering it to communities across the country.”
Ygam has also emphasised the importance of introducing inclusivity and digital safeguarding ideas to younger people.
Charlotte Nichols MP, Chair of the APPG Video Gaming and Esports, said: “Video games are an enormous part of huge numbers of children and young people’s everyday lives.
“They offer so much in entertainment, socialisation and education but there are of course dangers in the online world.
“Ygam do so much good work in this field to raise challenging issues and work to address them to make gaming a safer place, and I am glad to work with them to do this.”
Good to know: The programme has already been delivered to 100 adults and young people, with additional open sessions scheduled throughout April and May
Lia Thompson, President of the Gaming & Esports Society at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “As a woman in gaming, you see these behaviours normalised from a young age, so you begin to think that’s how you should act to be accepted by the community.
“This is not the true version of yourself, and toxic behaviour online should not be enabled like this.
“Ygam’s training is bringing attention to the impact of these behaviours, changing mindsets and helping others feel more comfortable calling it out to make their communities and peers safer.”
This will mark one of the last initiatives introduced under CEO Jane Ribye, as she recently announced her intent to step down from the role by the end of June.
