Resources

Gambling-related advertising promotes novel opportunities for young people to engage in potentially unhealthy behaviours. While for many people gambling is a pleasurable activity done in moderation, for a minority it can lead to substantial problems so it is important that young people are aware of the potential risks and ways to manage them. This free resource from Demos and GambleAware has been launched following a pilot study showing the effectiveness of such prevention education in schools. The PSHE Association were involved in the initial study and resource development and have granted the resource our Quality Mark.

The resource includes three lesson plans with supporting materials, including PowerPoints and teacher guidance. The materials will help your students to:

• Identify risks and understand how to make good decisions in risky situations, in particular as regards gambling
• Develop strategies to recognise and manage impulsive behaviour
• Recognise unhealthy behaviours in others and develop strategies to help them
• Understand the role and influence of advertising and develop socially responsible messages around gambling.

The resource intentionally considers ways to link in with teaching around drugs, alcohol and other risky behaviours to help teachers place this learning effectively within a broad and balanced PSHE education programme. Whilst primarily aimed at students in year 10, the material could be adapted to support learning for students aged 13 upwards, based on the maturity and needs of students.

PSHE Association Subject Specialist Anne Bell says:
“Tried and tested resources such as these can help teachers to effectively address the development of skills and attributes which can help young people to manage risk in various situations. This resource has proven its capacity to deliver learning on gambling effectively whilst also supporting learning in other connected PSHE topic areas.”

A report which reflects on the effectiveness of the resource through the piloting phase and assesses its effectiveness is available here on the Demos website