Sky Bet tackles young people tech-addiction with non-gambling app
So-called Scrabit app developed in partnership with YGAM as part of Responsible Gambling Week
Sky Betting & Gaming (SBG) has launched a new non-gambling app called Scrabit, designed to help young people manage their mobile phone usage.
The new app was developed by SBG employees in their volunteer hours as part of Responsible Gambling Week, and was created in partnership with the Young Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM).
Scrabit aims to help young people “take back control of their device usage” by tracking their habits, identifying problem areas, and then tracking progress to overcome those problems.
The app, for example, asks users how much time they spend on their devices, or how much money they spend on apps, then provides tips and reminders on changing those habits.
“This app highlights the importance of education in online wellbeing,” said SBG executive chairman Richard Flint.
“By understanding their overall screen habits, people can gain a better appreciation of the influence this can have in making healthier choices when online. Anything that encourages positive behaviours as early as possible, especially as people enter adulthood, is very welcome.”
How much time have you spent on your devices this weekend? Keep track and find out how much in control of your devices you are with the free @ScrabitApp #ScreenTime #screenhabits #digital #resilience pic.twitter.com/xHOUHDqqjs
— Scrabit (@ScrabitApp) November 4, 2018
A survey conducted by Adobe Digital last year found the average 18-24-year-old in the UK owns 6.8 devices, using 2.8 of them daily.
The Scrabit app is open to all users, but the key target audience is mobile natives in the 18-21 age group who are identified as needing additional support to ensure they bet and game safely online.
Lee Willows, CEO of YGAM, added: “The YGAM team enjoyed working alongside Sky Betting & Gaming to plan, design and deliver this mobile application.
“We have a shared belief that the use of mobile technology is a valuable tool to promote healthy screen time on devices, particularly for young or vulnerable people. Mobile phones are an essential part of everyday life and with the Scrabit app, greater awareness of personal time and money spent on mobile devices will now be visible to the user.”