I have written often about the impact of social media on our teenagers. They are often targeted and become negatively impacted by some of the social media messaging that they are exploring. Another potentially addicting aspect of what is available on social media is gambling.
When we think of teen addiction, we typically refer to drugs, alcohol and some levels of social media. However, globally, an estimated 159.6 million youth under the age of 18 have gambled on commercial forms of gambling that are largely age-restricted in the last 12 months. North America reports the most activity of teens that have participated in gambling. Not all teens who gamble become addicted, but we are beginning to see trends where it seems to be increasing in frequency.
In the United States, 60-80% of high school students report gambling once in the past year. About 4-8% develop a serious gambling problem and 6-15% appear to be at-risk for more serious gambling addictive behavior. Since these forms of gambling are typically sports betting apps, online poker or video game features, some teens do not even perceive that they are gambling.
Teen gambling can have impact on teens that may become apparent to friends and family. Emotionally they may show signs of mood swings tied to losses or wins. They also can display corresponding levels of anxiety. Behaviorally, they may begin obsessing on betting or odds, lie about money or their on-line behavior and might be caught stealing money to support their habit. Practically they may show a sudden loss of money, have secret phone or computer use and/or decline in their academic performance.
Some research has indicated that teens who gamble are linked to higher rates of depression, increased risk of substance use, academic failure, family conflict and long-term financial problems. In more serious forms of gambling, some of the consequences tie to mental health crises in their lives.
Teens are especially vulnerable because their brains are not fully developed in their impulse control. That is particularly a problem since these gambling apps are extremely accessible through online casinos and video games. If you watch any sports events the advertising for the sport betting apps is prevalent and some of the gambling platforms lack strict age verification.
If parents or caregivers sense that gambling has become an issue, there should be open and honest conversation. In those conversations there should be candid statements about how the house always wins. There also should be digital boundaries whether it be some level of monitoring, parental controls or limited access to payment methods. We also should not normalize gambling and model restraint in avoiding such habits.
Adult gambling addiction often begins at early ages. What can seem to be playful and innocent can turn into a life-dominating problem. Like any addiction, it is important that we take the matter seriously and address it proactively. If gambling becomes a serious problem, we should provide the therapeutic support that our teens need as soon as we become aware of a problem. It is too much of a risk to not address it seriously with strategic and effective interventions. We want to give them every opportunity to grow, develop and experience a healthy future without addictions.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
