Safeguarding Children and Young People from Gambling Harms: A Scoping Review of the Grey Literature.

Abstract

Purpose of Review This scoping review aims to assess the range and efectiveness of interventions in the UK or relevant to the UK context designed to prevent or reduce gambling-related harms among children and young people (CYP) aged up to 25 years based on grey literature. Grey literature captures practical strategies and innovations not documented in academic literature, ofering a comprehensive understanding of existing interventions. Recent Findings The review identifed fourteen organisations ofering interventions primarily focused on prevention and treatment. Educational interventions, delivered through workshops, online courses, and digital resources, were most prevalent. Innovative approaches, such as interactive web-based games, showed higher engagement levels among CYP. However, most interventions lacked rigorous evaluation data, especially concerning CYP’s developmental needs. Summary The review indicates the importance of multi-systemic approaches involving various stakeholders to mitigate gambling-related harms. It highlights the need for tailored, evidence-based strategies addressing CYP’s vulnerabilities, incorporating robust evaluation methods. Future research should include diverse linguistic and cultural contexts to ensure comprehensive protection for CYP from gambling-related harms