YGAM unveils digital Parent Hub for loot box education

YGAM has launched a specific platform for parents and carers to provide resources and support regarding youth gambling as UK schools break up for the summer.

Parent Hub, which was developed following a collaborative approach with parents, carers and young people, will provide tools and activities to protect and inform against gambling harm.

There will be a specific focus on loot boxes, and how bolt-on in-game purchases can lead to potential problem behaviours and financial difficulties.

The platform will provide information on how to implement parental controls, identify gambling-related harm and how to discuss creating a healthy online to offline life balance for children.

YGAM has also launched a two-hour workshop that can be delivered in person across local communities for parents and carers.

Amanda Atkinson, YGAM head of parental engagement, said the volume of in-game purchases available can be “confusing” for parents, and hopes the new hub will provide a welcome source of information.

Atkinson said: “The enormous variety of games and in-app purchases available can make it confusing for parents to keep on top of safety controls.

“Through our educational resources, we are focused on providing crucial information to parents so they can identify changes in behaviours and understand the effects that gambling and gaming may have on mental and financial wellbeing,” she added.