Ygam launches new program to tackle youth gaming harm in UK
For millions of young people, gaming has transformed from a mere hobby into a full-fledged lifestyle. However, as the digital world continues to evolve, so do the associated risks, impacting the younger generation significantly. To address these challenges, Ygam, a charity established in 2014, is dedicated to educating and safeguarding young people from the dangers linked to gaming. With global esports revenue skyrocketing and 80 percent of the UK’s 16–24-year-olds engaging in online gaming, this programme is much needed.
The rise of gaming and esports
The global esports market is booming, expected to surpass $10.9 billion by 2032. In 2024, more than 80 percent of 16-24-year-olds are playing video games, with 83 percent of them engaging in online gaming.
is tailored specifically to offer practical tools, information, and assistance to young players, families wanting to make sense of the gaming world, teachers and youth workers who shape young minds, and industry professionals committed to providing safe environments. The emphasis is on empowering communities and not just telling them what to do.
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.”
Key areas covered by the programme
Virtual Currencies and Microtransactions: Virtual currencies might sound harmless and fun — coins, gems, tokens. But they’re often the gateway to real money spending and problematic behaviour. Ygam tackles this head-on by teaching players and parents how to recognise the risks and make informed decisions.
In-game Advertising and Its Influence: Have you ever noticed that advertisements in games don’t even seem like advertisements anymore? That’s the idea. Nowadays, advertising is integrated into the gameplay so much that it’s difficult to distinguish where the game ends and the manipulation begins. This course puts a spotlight on the psychological pushes of advertisements in games and teaches children how to develop critical thinking skills to deal with them.
Mental Health Considerations: Extended screen time, lack of sleep, anxiety from competitive play, and cyberbullying can take a toll, turning gaming from fun to stressful. Ygam opens the conversation around mental health, something too many programmes avoid. They emphasise balance, self-care, and recognising when gaming starts becoming harmful rather than helpful.
Addressing the positives of gaming
From streamers and commentators to game developers and esports coaches, gaming is creating new careers. Ygam wants young people to dream big while still staying safe. Gaming isn’t just for a specific type of kid anymore. It’s for everyone — regardless of background, gender, or ability. That’s why the programme also highlights the importance of inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome.
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.”
Pilot programmes and early results
Ygam launched the first pilot sessions with a bang. Young people from the Sheffield United Community Foundation were among the first to experience it, learning how to protect themselves and spot red flags in their digital environments.
Another major player in the pilot was Sheffield Hallam University, where esports students joined in for hands-on learning. The session was hosted at the National Video Game Museum, blending education with immersive experience, the perfect combo for young minds.
Lia Thompson, President of the Gaming & Esports Society at Sheffield Hallam University and attendee of the pilot session, said: “I think the new Ygam programme is important. There needs to be more awareness of the behaviour that is actively happening so that it stops being normalised. If we can get young people to think about this early on, we can stop it from happening in the first place, and Ygam’s new programme really helps to achieve this.”
In April and May 2025, Ygam is taking this programme across the UK. From schools to community centres, more and more young people will gain access to this life-changing education.
