Digital addictions: gambling

Many young people today use computers, phones, and play video games. Sometimes, these games or online activities can include parts that are like gambling. Gambling means risking money or something valuable to try to win more. This can be things like betting on sports, playing casino games, or buying “loot boxes” in video games. Young people are seeing and trying these things at an early age. This is a problem because their brains are still growing. They may not fully understand the risks. This can lead to an addiction, which is when someone cannot stop doing something even if it causes harm. It is important for caregivers to know that gambling can be harmful and addictive for children and teens.

What is typical?

It is common for children and teens to use digital devices and play games. As they grow, they learn about the world, including money and taking chances. Understanding how children usually develop can help you notice if something is wrong with digital addictions, gambling.

Here is what you might see at different ages:

–By age 3-5: Children may play simple games on tablets or phones. They do not really understand winning, losing, or the idea of money in games.

–By age 6-9: Children play more online games. Some games might ask them to buy things or have parts that look like gambling, like spinning a wheel to win a prize. They start to learn about money but may not see the danger in game spending.

–By age 10-12: Children spend more time online by themselves. They might see ads for gambling or play games that are very much like casino games. They understand risk a little better, but they can still make quick choices without thinking.

–By age 13-14: Teens use the internet and social media a lot. Friends might talk about gaming or even betting. Their brains are still growing, which makes it harder for them to control urges and make safe choices about digital addictions, gambling.

When should I be concerned?

It is important to know when a child’s use of digital devices or interest in gambling-like games becomes a problem. There are signs that can show if a child might be developing digital addictions, gambling. Seeing these signs early can help you get them support.

You should be concerned if your child:

–Changes at school or in activities: They may miss school, have lower grades, or stop caring about hobbies they used to like.

–Changes in behavior: They might act more angry, secretive, or seem more sad or worried than usual.

–Focuses too much on winning: They may always want to compete, win, or be right, especially in games.

–Has money issues: Money might go missing from the house, or your child might have new money or items they cannot explain.

–Spends more time online, often in secret: They may use devices much more than before and try to hide what they are doing.

–Thinks about gaming or gambling all the time: They talk about it a lot, even when they are not doing it.

–Gets upset if they cannot game or gamble: They may become moody or irritable if they have to stop.

–Needs to do it more to feel good: They might need to spend more time or money on games or gambling to get the same excitement.

–Tries to stop but cannot: They say they want to cut back but are not able to.

–Keeps doing it even if it causes problems: They continue even if it hurts their friendships, schoolwork, or family life.

–Uses it to escape bad feelings: They game or gamble to feel better when they are sad, stressed, or lonely.

–Hides it from others: They lie about how much time or money they spend on these activities.

What can I do to help?

If you are worried that your child might have problems with digital addictions, gambling, there are things you can do. Being patient and talking openly with your child is very important. Here are some ways you can help your child at home:

1.Talk openly about the risks. Explain that some online games have parts that are like gambling. Tell them that gambling can be risky and can become an addiction, especially for young people.

2.Set clear rules for screen time. Decide together how much time your child can spend on devices and games each day. Make sure these rules are followed by everyone.

3.Watch their online activities. Know what games your child plays and if these games ask for money or have gambling parts. Pay attention to how they use money online, especially if it is your money.

4.Encourage other fun activities. Help your child find hobbies and activities they enjoy away from screens. This could be sports, art, music, or spending time with friends and family.

5.Be a good example. Children learn by watching adults. Show healthy habits with your own phone or computer use, and how you talk about or engage in any gambling.

6.Teach them about money. Help your child learn what money is worth and how to manage it. This can make them less likely to waste money on games or gambling.

7.Keep talking to your child. Make sure your child feels safe talking to you about any problems or pressures they face online. Listen to them without judging.