Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what support is available to young people under the age of 18 for gambling addiction from (1) the NHS, (2) educational services, and (3) other public service providers.

Children whose gambling is associated with other addictions or mental health issues can access treatment for those conditions in NHS primary and secondary care. In addition, dedicated treatment for gambling disorders is commissioned by the charity GambleAware. This includes the National Gambling Helpline and a national network of treatment services which are accessible across Great Britain. Most people accessing services are over 18 but they are available to people of any age, including young people. GambleAware also funds the NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic, with a second clinic due to open in Leeds in April 2019.

GambleAware’s delivery plan for 2018-20 aligns with strategic priorities set by the regulator, the Gambling Commission, and its expert advisors on research, education and treatment, the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB). The delivery plan includes developing and promoting a ‘knowledge hub’ of resources and guidance for teachers and those who work with young people, as well as working with agencies that support young people’s mental health and supporting parents to have conversations with children.

Schools are expected to promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils and some teach about gambling and addiction as part of their Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education. The non-statutory PSHE programme of study, published by the PSHE Association, includes teaching about gambling (including online) and its psychological and financial impact.

The Department for Education’s consultation on Relationships, Sex and Health Education, including draft content on online behaviour and mental wellbeing, closed on 7 November. The Department is currently analysing responses to the consultation before finalising regulations and guidance.