Budgeting when gaming

The content of this lesson has been developed with GamCare, the leading UK provider of free information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling.

This lesson is for students aged 11-14, to help them understand the connection between online gaming, decision making and health and financial wellbeing. Using Charlie’s story, students will investigate the connection between habits and wellbeing as well as how risky decisions do not always pay off.

By using these activities, your class will discover ways that behaviour can affect not only our own wellbeing but also the relationships of those around us. They could be surprised at how habits can affect actions, thoughts, and feelings.

Resources

• Budgeting when gaming: Lesson plan – for use with a group of students in the classroom
• Budgeting when gaming: Student worksheet – to support students to work through activities

Key learning outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand behaviours around chasing reward 
• Recognise some of the financial risks of/in relation to gaming and gambling
• Explain how spending can change from controlled to uncontrolled spending
• Demonstrate how money can be managed through planning and budgeting

Support:

Anyone who is worried or has concerns following this lesson (for themselves or others) should talk to a trusted adult, such as their parent or teacher.

GamCare provides a dedicated support service for young people who are experiencing issues related to gambling. Young People, Parents, and Professionals can access support through the BigDeal website or by phoning the National Gambling Helpline free on 0808 8020 133.

Barclays Digital Wings also has articles which can support you, parents and guardians around your children’s relationship with gaming.