Gambling free feed - Creating preventive attitudes against gambling harms for young people

<< Background >>We applied for this project to tackle the growing exposure of young people to online gambling content, which poses serious risks despite legal age restrictions. Gambling often begins in adolescence, leading to potential long-term harms such as addiction, mental health issues, and social inequality. Young people, as active digital users and social influencers, are key to spreading awareness and promoting responsible attitudes. This project addressed the needs of youth for media literacy skills, tools to identify gambling ads, and inclusive opportunities for volunteer work. It also supported at-risk and disadvantaged youth by offering empowerment and early intervention. For organizations, there was a need to exchange best practices, enhance cooperation between professionals and those with lived experience, and develop effective prevention methods. Professionals and policymakers needed better insight into gambling marketing on platforms like TikTok and Twitch, as well as ways to involve youth and experts by experience in shaping policy. This initiative helps strengthen European democratic values by promoting digital safety and youth engagement.<< Objectives >>The project aimed to prevent gambling-related harms among youth by shifting from treatment to harms prevention and early intervention (Obj. 2). We supported organizational transformation by embedding a prevention-first approach and improving collaboration among youth workers, experts by experience (Obj. 1), volunteers (Obj. 3), significant others, and authorities (Obj. 10). Inclusive volunteer models enabled youth—including at-risk individuals—to engage in prevention without prior knowledge (Obj. 5). We enhanced youth work by offering training and tools for professionals to support volunteers both face-to-face and on social media (Obj. 4). Evidence-based campaigns and content raised and promoted gambling harms awareness (Obj. 6). Reliable info on harms and marketing exposure was provided to all target groups (Obj. 7). An e-learning course was developed to ensure lasting impact (Obj. 9). Finally, youth voices were brought into the European Gambling Harm Prevention Network, linking local actions to EU-level efforts (Obj. 8), and stakeholders were mobilized at all levels (Obj. 10).<< Implementation >>In our project, we implemented a wide range of activities structured across six work packages. Key actions included comprehensive project management and coordination meetings (TPMs) to ensure smooth transnational collaboration. We developed and piloted training modules for experts by experience, volunteers, and professionals to prevent gambling harms among youth. A literature review and best practices collection informed the design of these trainings. We also created multimedia training materials, including video and print resources. Youth were actively engaged through training and campaign activities promoting a gambling harms prevention culture. In terms of dissemination, we carried out surveys, built a website, managed social media channels, and conducted media outreach. A final eLearning course was developed, tested with target groups, and translated into partner languages. Additionally, we collaborated with European networks and hosted seminars to amplify impact and ensure sustainability. All activities were implemented with strong cross-sectoral collaboration among project partners.<< Results >>The project produced concrete outputs and results across six work packages. A key achievement was the development of a training model with 6 Experts by Experince from Cyprus, Finland and Spain, supported by a literature review, best practices, and materials such as a video and handbook. Training modules for 4 experts by Experience and 8 Youth Work Professionals improved their ability to educate youth volunteers, raising awareness of gambling harms, risk factors, and industry tactics. A youth volunteer model was created and piloted, including a methodology handbook for implementation. Preventive campaigning content for platforms like TikTok and YouTube was developed by 41 young volunteers, facilitated by trained experts. A comprehensive e-learning course, with multilingual content and sections tailored to target groups, was created and tested by over 90 participants from our target groups. Surveys were conducted to assess exposure to gambling content online, and results informed communication strategies. The project also contributed to the European Gambling Harms Prevention Network (EGHPN), with wide dissemination via media, social platforms, publication and events, reaching over 70 different organizations across Europe.