The Youth Gaming and Gambling Education Trust (Ygam) has announced its new gaming and esports program, aimed at educating young people and their parents about the potential harms of the industry.
Previously, recent statistics showed that in 2024, 80% of young people aged 16-24 had played video games, with 83% having played online games.
According to the charity, by 2032, the global esports market is expected to reach $10.91 billion.
With many stakeholders involved, Ygam emphasizes the need for better education on microtransactions, different gaming mechanics, and the potential consequences of pursuing a career in esports.
Sacha Kent, head of the gaming and esports project, said: "We must recognize the central role that gaming plays in the digital lives of children today.
"This new program marks an important step in helping young people safely enjoy gaming, enabling them to better understand the potential risks and harms through knowledge and tools.
Through collaboration with parents, young people, and professionals from various industries, we have realized that there is indeed a demand for this type of education. We are very proud and excited to start promoting this education in communities across the country."
Ygam also highlighted the importance of introducing young people to concepts of inclusivity and digital protection.
Charlotte Nichols, Chair of the APPG on Video Games and Esports and Member of Parliament, said: "Video games are an important part of the daily lives of many children and young people.
"They provide many services in terms of entertainment, social interaction, and education, but of course, there are dangers in the online world.
"Ygam has done a lot of excellent work in this area, raising challenging questions and working to address these issues, making gaming a safer place, and I am pleased to work with them to achieve this."
It is worth noting: The project has already been launched for 100 adults and young people and will hold more public courses during April and May.
Leah Thompson, Chair of the Gaming and Esports Association at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "As a woman in the gaming world, you grow up seeing these behaviors normalized, so you start to think that this is the way you should act to be accepted by the community.
"This is not the real you, and malicious behavior online should not be allowed.
"Ygam's training is drawing attention to the impact of these behaviors, changing perceptions, and helping others to speak out more comfortably, ensuring their communities and peers are safer."
This will be one of the last initiatives launched during the tenure of CEO Jane Ribye, who recently announced her intention to step down from the CEO position by the end of June.
