How to Prevent Teenage Gambling

Teenage gambling has increased exponentially in recent years. With gambling addiction considered as serious as alcohol or drug addictions, parents and educators should take definitive steps to prevent this detrimental hobby before it's too late.

Instructions

    • 1

      Educate parents, school officials and teenagers about the dangers of gambling. Education is power, and nothing will empower teenagers to stop a dangerous gambling addiction more than learning how it can ruin lives. Parents and school officials should become aware of all the new gambling venues out there, including Internet gambling.

    • 2

      Minimize the glitz factor. If parents are gamblers, either occasional or regular participants, they shouldn't brag about their winnings and talk about their exciting trips to casinos. Don't let your children watch those shows that showcase pros sitting at poker tables with their sunglasses on and stoic faces.

    • 3

      State concerns regarding school fundraisers. Schools often host tricky trays, bingo and casino nights as fundraisers. This only supports gambling and gives tacit approval to students to indulge gambling. Parents should firmly oppose these fundraising activities and come up with alternative ways to raise funds.

    • 4

      Include gambling abuse seminars in the school curriculum. Most schools hold assemblies regarding the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse, but don't include gambling in this category. Gambling should be a topic in these informational programs so that students learn that it is an addiction. Just as recovering alcoholics and drug addicts are invited to speak to students, so too should recovering gamblers.

    • 5

      Recognize at-risk behavior. Parents and educators should notice any teens who flash unusual amounts cash or frequently borrow money. Pay attention if you see an increase in phone calls from strangers or late-night conversations. Gambling teens often become withdrawn and anxious, their grades drop and unexplained absences increase. Address these changes immediately.

    • 6

      Be more vigilant in a family with a history of gambling problems. Knowing there's a propensity for gambling addiction should give parents the edge in keeping their teens out of trouble.

    • 7

      If your teenager has a credit card, study their bills. Question any large amounts, particulary if your teen owes them to an Internet company. Any cash advances should be red flags. If you discover your teen is using a credit card to finance a gambling habit, rescind the card and let the issuing company know they must not send a substitute.

    • 8

      Give teenagers multiple options for other activities. Frequently, teens who turn to gambling want to relieve boredom and stress. Give teenagers more constructive options to occupy their time, including sports, music or dance lessons or other extracurricular activities,.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Cultural Influence on Teen Behavior & Morality
      Cultural characteristics that could potentially affect teen behavior and morality include things like language, religion, music and arts from a particular group of people, or from a blend of different groups of people, according to LiveScience. Moral
    • Behavior Modification & Token Economies for Teens
      Using token economies is a form of behavior modification that is often successful with teens. The tools and structure used in token economies provides positive reinforcement for positive behaviors and consequences for negative. It is designed to help
    • Fun Places for Teens to Go Near Lake Zurich
      As a well-established residential community 37 miles from downtown Chicago, the town of Lake Zurich, Illinois, and its surrounding area provide many fun opportunities for teens. Whether you have teens who would love a day at the beach, watching a liv