SUMMER IS HERE….and so
is the risk for problem gambling among youth
June 2017: Volume 76
do you know
how your kids are spending their summer?
As the school year ends for
students of all ages, the excitement of what the summer will bring begins! However, for some children, they will have
their first exposure to gambling.
As more parents are in
the workforce now than ever, the summer months bring lots of free time for
those not involved in structured activities.
It is important that not only parents, but teachers, counselors, and all
adults that interact with children, become aware of potential signs that youth
may be involved in gambling activities:
·
Partaking in regular card games or other gaming
situations with a group of peers.
·
Speaking openly and frequently about an interest
in gambling or borrowing money.
·
Becoming extremely competitive and interested in
winning and “being right.”
·
Money they should have (such as allowance) has
gone missing.
·
Parents’ cash or valuables kept in the household
is missing.
·
Unexplained stashes of money or new possessions
appear.
·
Interest in extracurricular activities has
lessened in recent weeks or months.
·
Behavior and attitude has changed, such as
becoming more secretive or defensive.
·
Increased interest in money and the value of
possessions.
National studies have
shown that the younger an individual begins gambling, the more likely they are
to develop a problem. In today’s society, kids have easier access to gambling,
through the touch of button or the swipe of a finger.
Revenues from online
gambling has doubled since 2009 from $20.51 billion to $41.77 billion in 2016.
Additionally, most adults
and children do not consider many activities “gambling”. However, the definition is “betting money or
something of value on an uncertain outcome.”
This can include video games, sports games, or even “bets and
dares”. As your children get older it is
important to talk to them about the risk of gambling and how easily it can
transition into an addiction.
Free counseling, peer supports, group meetings, legal and financial
resources, literature, budget assistance and much more are just a phone call, text
or chat away…
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call
Live Chat at www.gamblinghelp.org
Text to 321-978-0555
Email to fccg@gamblinghelp.org