NEW findings from the Secondary School Children’s Health and Well-being Dashboard, published by Public Health Wales in partnership with The School Health Research Network (SHRN) at Cardiff University funded by the Welsh Government show that rates of self-reported gambling in year 11 boys aged 15 and 16 in Wales have significantly increased from the last survey in 2023.

The findings come from The SHRN Student Health and Well-being Survey in Secondary Schools 2025, the largest survey of school-aged children and young people in Wales. The survey asked pupils in years 7 to 11 (aged 11-16) whether they had spent their own money on gambling activities in the previous seven days as well as a range of other questions relating their health and well-being.

Overall, 11.5 per cent of children and young people reported gambling in the past week. However, rates were much higher among older boys. More than one in five (21.4 per cent) year 11 boys reported gambling in the previous seven days, compared with 6.5 per cent of girls of the same age.

Among year 11 boys, self-reported gambling increased from 18.2 per cent in 2023 to 21.4 per cent in 2025, a rise of 3.2 percentage points.

Public Health Wales is already working with schools to help prevent gambling-related harms among young people. Earlier this year, it developed Behind the Screen: Understanding Gaming and Gambling Harms resources designed to support schools in preventing gambling-related harm. It includes guidance for teachers, classroom activities and evidence-based information to help facilitate discussions about gaming, gambling and online risks.

The resources form part of a broader programme of work by Public Health Wales to prevent and reduce gambling-related harms. As part of this wider programme, Public Health Wales has also published a new framework to support future research, policy and practice in Wales. By identifying priority areas for research, the framework aims to address key evidence gaps, inform policy development and guide future investment in gambling-related harm research.

Public Health Consultant Helen Erswell said: “We welcome the growing focus on gambling-related harm in Wales.

“It is concerning to see these levels of gambling among young people in Wales, particularly the increase reported among year 11 boys.

“Public Health Wales is working with partners to roll out a national prevention programme,” she added. “As part of this work, we have identified key research priorities to strengthen the evidence base on gambling-related harms, including prevention, early intervention and support for treatment and recovery.

“While not every young person who gambles will experience harm, gambling can have significant impacts on financial wellbeing, mental health and relationships, both now and later in life.

“These findings highlight the importance of continued action to prevent gambling-related harm and ensure that young people have the information, support and opportunities they need to make informed choices. There is also support available for those who may be experiencing difficulties, including tools such as Gamban, which can help people block access to gambling websites and apps.”