Government representatives from nine EU participating Member States under TSI project convened in Prague to review the progress made during the first year of TSI project.  The project is focused on strengthening responses to the risks caused by online gambling and video gaming on youth’s mental health across Europe.

Over two days, key analysis reports on European policies and good practices were reviewed, which will guide future national strategies and targeted interventions. A draft Blueprint Communication Strategy aimed at awareness raising across Europe was also discussed.

Notable country-specific updates included Czechia’s efforts to strengthen gambling advertising regulations with the focus on reducing public exposure to gambling ads to better protect minors.

“The project brings significant value to the Czech context by improving evidence and shaping policies on digital addictions, particularly gaming and gambling. The project has been instrumental in identifying these gaps and improving prevention and treatment approaches for digital addictions among young people,” stated Daniel GALANDAK, Government Counsellor, Department of Drug Policy, Government Office of the Czech Republic.

The workshop was followed by the 4^th meeting of the Advisory Group of the project, during which members reviewed the progress, discussed the ongoing national developments and planned next steps.

The Project “Promoting the mental health of children and youth by addressing the risks of online gambling and gaming” is co-funded by the European Union via its Technical Support Instrument and implemented by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the European Commission.