Today's Tip for Families

12-17-2021

Talk With Your Teen About the Risks of Gambling

Studies suggest that more than half of all teens gamble for money each year. Online gambling is on the rise. For many teens, gambling will become a dangerous addiction.

To make sure gambling doesn’t become a problem for your teen:

  1. Talk about the advertising used to promote gambling. Teens need to know, for example, that the odds of winning the lottery are almost impossibly high—one chance in hundreds of millions.
  2. Don’t give your teen opportunities to gamble. Don’t give a lottery ticket as a gift. Don't play cards for money. Don’t encourage your teen to join in a sports betting pool.
  3. Understand why teens may turn to gambling. Teens may see gambling as the only way to get what they want. Or they may have feelings of low self-esteem and anxiety.
  4. Watch for danger signs. Some teens get so heavily involved with gambling that they can’t stop.

Be alert for these warning signals:

If you see any of these danger signs, talk to your teen. Then, if necessary, talk to a school counselor. Ask for a referral to a community agency that deals with gambling problems.


Brought to you by:

Webster County Schools

[School Success Ideas for Families]

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