Across Australia, problem gambling has become a significant issue, as thousands of residents struggle with unhealthy gambling habits. While it is a positive step forward for such a great deal of attention to be placed on adult problem gambling, the issue of underage gambling seems to go unnoticed.
A new program called Know Your Odds aims to deal with this issue, helping children who have been affected by adult problem gamblers in their lives and discouraging them from taking part gambling activities themselves. The program aims to help school children whose lives have been negatively affected by problem gambling. Whether gambling addiction has led to abuse or poverty, there is assistance available to all young people.
“It's more than just an individual who is affected by problem gambling. It often also affects their families and their communities, with children and young people often the hardest-hit," says Cassy O’Connor, Human Services Minister "The impacts of problem gambling can lead to anger and family violence.” Since addiction can be a learned behaviour, the program also focuses on ensuring that students are not encouraged to gamble.
Although they see the negative impacts that problem gambling has had on their families, the early exposure to the activity could lead them to underage gambling. A number of videos are available for teachers across the country, providing them with a new media approach to helping their students. The videos focus on Youth Gambling, Gambling Issues at Home and Help & Support.
There are also several online resources that teachers can use if they need any help managing a situation with one of their students. This is certainly a positive step in the fight against problem gambling in Australia. It is important to start young, as children are susceptible to the dangers of addictive behaviour. Know Your Odds presents a useful way for teachers to help their students make informed choices when it comes to gambling.
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