Free classroom resources
We can help you open the conversation with young people in your classroom with a range of free materials that have been produced with education professionals.
Research shows discussing gambling harm in schools is a powerful tool
In 2020, we commissioned a literature review and teacher survey to see how gambling harm prevention could be implemented in NSW schools.*
- Teachers are important for any school-based prevention program.
- School programs which include a parent element are more likely to be successful.
- School-based programs are more likely to lead to knowledge, awareness and attitude change than behaviour change.
- Any program should look at the convergence of gaming and gambling.
These are all things to consider for your own school’s program.
* Elliott B and Le Guyader F (2020) Office Of Responsible Gambling Whole School Approach Literature Review, IPSOS. Commissioned by the NSW Responsible Gambling Fund.
Free classroom resources
We have produced classroom ready resources to teach students about gambling and reduce their risk of harm. Using different teaching strategies, they are engaging, easy to use and suit different learners. Resources are available for high school stages four to six for Personal Development Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Maths and English.
Before you get started
Before you start using the lessons, you might want to take a look at our facilitator pack. It includes:
- information about how gambling and gambling harm affect young people
- what to consider when using the resources
- a list of additional resources.
To access the free classroom resources
We have developed 15 lessons for high school PDHPE.
Learning support
We have also developed a resource to help teachers address the gambling harm students may already be experiencing. It is targeted at students already at-risk or experiencing gambling harm. It includes:
- an introductory workshop for beginning the discussion about gambling with students in a
safe and open environment. - targeted interventions for more specific interventions that may be required to provide more support.
Evidence behind the classroom resources
In 2020, we commissioned a literature review and teacher survey to see how gambling harm prevention could be implemented in NSW schools. We found:
- Teachers are important for any school-based prevention program.
- School programs which include a parent element are more likely to be successful.
- School-based programs are more likely to lead to knowledge, awareness, and attitude change than behaviour change.
- Any program should look at the convergence of gaming and gambling.
This research informed the decision to develop specific classroom resources for high school students.
Talking With Teens About Gambling
An Overview - Talking With Teens About Gambling
Through 11 bite-size videos you can share in the classroom, young people talk about how they feel about gambling and the increase in gambling advertising. They offer some pretty savvy insights to get the conversation going with your students.
Kirsten Shannon, GambleAware counsellor and Clinical Manager of the University of Sydney Gambling Clinic, sits down with students from Narara Valley High School. We get to know what they think about underage gambling, the impact of gambling ads, and what they find appealing – and appalling.
Part 1: Make Me Feel Good
How did these kids respond to a gambling ad? We asked them, “How do gambling ads make you look and feel good?”
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc5lXtKVZbc&ab_channel=GambleAwareNSW
Part 2: Man-Flirt
Who do they think gambling ads “flirt” with the most. In other words, which demographic are they most interested in appealing to? Who’s the target?
Part 3: Tip This
What did they think about the number of sports betting ads that air during sporting matches on TV?
Part 4: Show Me The Glamour
Why do you think betting agencies might use celebrities and sports stars to promote their brands?
Part 5: Can You Bank On It?
Go ahead and guesstimate: how many people betting on sport actually make a profit over 12 months.
Part 6: Never Seen A Loser ...
Go ahead and guesstimate: how many people betting on sport actually make a profit over 12 months.
Part 7: Re-Take
Once you know the real odds, how might it change the way you see gambling ads?
Part 8: Scratch This
Get the lowdown on scratchies – how much do you think you have to spend to win?
Part 9: Get Off My Phone
How do young people feel about gambling ads appearing on their phones every day?
Part 10: Smart Means Wins?
When it comes to gambling, does skill have much to do with it? Or is it all about chance?
Part 11: The Odds Are What?
So what are the odds of winning big on the pokies? Are they as good as you think?
NSW’s latest research on gambling and young people
If kids are up for a deeper discussion, you might want to share the NSW Youth Gambling Study 2020.
Do they see themselves represented in it? You can access the full 279-page report or a 15-page summary if you prefer, and infographic snapshots you could use as handouts.
Life Ready
GambleAware supported the Department of Education to develop four gambling related resources for the Life Ready course. This supports year 11 and 12 students to prepare for life after school. The four resources can be found under the Drugs and alcohol- teacher delivery section.
Kid-friendly support services
Even if they don’t approach you directly, some of your students might need someone to talk to confidentially about gambling-related issues – for themselves, a friend or a family member. Make sure they know there’s a range of kid-friendly online, over-the-phone and face-to-face resources where they can get the support they need.
