Teachers’ attitudes towards students’ gambling in the United Kingdom

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Author(s): Roberts, Amanda ; Murphy, Raegan ; McNally, Elli-Jay ; Derevensky, Jeffrey L. ; Sharman, Steve

Journal: International Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2022

Date Added: October 13, 2022

The purpose of this study was to understand teachers’ awareness of and attitudes towards adolescent gambling in the United Kingdom. The researchers recruited 157 primary and secondary school teachers from UK mainstream schools to complete an online survey. Few teachers could correctly estimate the prevalence of gambling and problem gambling among youths (ages 11 to 14 and 15 to 18). Teachers thought that adolescent gambling was less serious than all other high-risk behaviours, except for drinking and driving. Teachers had fewer conversations with students about gambling than about other issues, except for drinking and driving. Teachers were also less confident in their ability to address gambling issues than alcohol and drug problems.

Citation: Roberts, A., Murphy, R., McNally, E. J., Derevensky, J., & Sharman, S. (2022). Teacher attitudes towards and awareness of adolescent gambling behavior in the UK. International Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2022.2105927

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2022.2105927

Keywords: adolescent gambling ; attitudes ; awareness ; disordered gambling ; education ; education system ; gambling ; gambling-related harm ; prevention ; teachers ; youth

Topics: Children and Youth ; Gambling Resources ; Information for Operators ; Prevention ; Priority Populations

Conceptual Framework Factors: Social - Education System ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Social Factors

Study Design: Descriptive: Survey

Geographic Coverage: United Kingdom

Study Population: A total of 157 UK school teachers completed the survey. Of that total, about 20% were men, 38% were women, and 42% did not specify their gender. The largest age group was between 20 and 29 years old (21.7%). Over a quarter (28.1%) of participants had at least 10 years of teaching experience.

Sampling Procedure: The researchers recruited primary and secondary school teachers from UK mainstream schools. They did this using an opportunity sample. This involved distributing an online questionnaire through email invites sent to local headteachers. Advertisements on online teacher forums were also placed. Inclusion criteria was that participants had to be currently teaching in UK schools.

Study Funding:

No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript.