SAYWHAT calls for research on youth gambling harms ahead of SARSYC VI
The study aims to address issues such as online betting addiction, emerging gambling patterns and policy responses.
Namibia.- Students and Youth Working on Reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT), a non-profit group and convener of the Southern African Regional Students and Youth Conference (SARSYC), has invited researchers and students to submit abstracts on gambling-related harms as part of the upcoming SARSYC VI Research Indaba, which will examine the growing impact of gambling on young people and communities.
According to the organisation, more young people and adults are turning to gambling as a way to manage economic pressure or attempt to generate income, resulting in financial instability, relationship strain and mental health challenges. The research, which will be presented under the conference’s Digital Health and Safety track, aims to address issues such as online betting addiction, emerging gambling patterns and policy responses.
The conference is scheduled to take place in Windhoek, Namibia, from August 5 to 7, 2026, and will bring together students, researchers, policymakers and civil society organisations from across Southern Africa.
SAYWHAT has set a March 31, 2026 deadline for researchers to submit abstracts for consideration in the research indaba programme. Accepted submissions will be presented during the conference and will contribute to policy discussions and research collaborations focused on youth health and digital risks.
Several studies have highlighted rising participation in digital betting among university students and young adults, often linked to easy access to mobile or online sportsbooks and aggressive marketing campaigns.
A recent multi-country research project involving institutions including the University of Namibia and the University of Lagos is examining gambling behaviour among students across seven universities in Africa and Europe. The study plans to survey more than 2,500 students to understand why they gamble, the types of betting activities they engage in and the harms associated with the activity.
The study’s findings are expected to provide comparative data on gambling patterns among students while informing prevention strategies and regulatory responses.
