GambleAware Partners with Parent Zone

GambleAware has partnered with the digital family life specialist Parent Zone to educate families about potential risks faced by children when playing online video games.

The project mainly focuses on eight to eleven year-olds, with parents able to access various resources and advice to improve their knowledge about the issues such as mechanics similar to those found in gambling products, including loot boxes.

“Gaming is an important, and fun, part of many families’ lives, but lots of parents do not know about the gambling-like features that are in games – and the risks these can lead to. We want parents to ask what games their children are playing, check that they are happy with what they are doing in those games and know what their children are spending money on,” Vicki Shotbolt, the founder and chief executive of Parent Zone said.

The initiative is launched with a short animation advising why gambling-like risks in online games is an important issue, with a second film to offer more detailed advice about how parents can reduce these risks. The project also include an online quiz and glossary allowing parents and carers to explore the topic further and learn more about how to protect children when gaming online.

“More and more children are being exposed to gambling like activity and it is increasingly important that parents are aware of the risks of gambling and talk to their children about it,” Jane Rigbye, GambleAware’s director of education said.

“We’re really pleased to be able to work with Parent Zone to help educate parents about the gambling-like activity that their kids might be exposed to and make sure they know about the existing help and support that is available,” Jane Rigbye added.