Alert: Smartphones and advertisements made youth victims of gambling, shocking revelation in research

Digital Desk: Experts have expressed serious concern about the increasing addiction to gambling at an early age among the youth. The increased advertising of online betting, poker machines and gambling has put young people at greater risk than ever before, according to the study shared by Monash University expert Charles Livingstone. Experts believe that to deal with this problem, the government will have to enforce strict regulation on the gambling industry as well as families will have to make children aware of its ill effects.

Higher risk among youth aged 18 to 34

According to the study, more than eight percent of adults in Australia are experiencing some form of gambling side effects, while approximately one percent of adults gamble at high-risk levels. Young people in the age group of 18 to 34 years have been found to be especially at high risk of gambling addiction.

Experts say that about 90 percent of the youth who regularly engage in poker machines (pokies) or online betting face financial losses, strain in relationships and other serious problems.

Mental health is also affected

The study states that gambling addiction is not limited to financial loss only. This can also increase mental problems like guilt, shame, stress, depression and anxiety. Research has also noted an association between gambling and increased risk of suicide.

Family and society are also affected

According to experts, the effects of gambling are not limited only to the person gambling. Its impact reaches family, spouse, children, friends and workplace. Studies have also linked parental gambling addiction to problems such as family conflict, domestic violence, child neglect and abuse.

Smartphones and online platforms increase the risk

Researchers say that due to smartphones and online betting platforms, youth can now gamble easily while sitting at home. In many cases the family is not even aware of it. Due to the greater tendency to take risks during brain development in adolescence, the possibility of developing gambling addiction increases at this age.

Concern over advertisements and digital data also

The study says that gambling companies collect data on users’ behavior and show targeted advertisements, which encourages people to gamble again. Experts have called for stricter restrictions on gambling advertising and a more effective regulatory regime for the industry.

Treatment is possible, but people do not take help

Experts said that treatment methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can prove to be effective in overcoming gambling addiction. However, due to social stigma and shame, most people do not seek timely treatment.

Expert advice for parents

Talk to children about seeing sports as entertainment, not considering gambling as part of the game.
Avoid watching sports broadcasts after 8:30 pm, as gambling advertisements may air during this time.
Use digital tools that block gambling websites and payment options in children’s mobile and other devices.

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