To prevent gambling harms among youth, policies should focus on education, regulation, support, and early intervention. Here are key actions:
a) Education and Awareness
- School Programs: Integrate gambling harm prevention into school curricula, teaching students about risks, odds, and healthy decision-making.
- Public Campaigns: Use social media and digital platforms to raise awareness of gambling risks targeted at youth.
b) Stronger Regulation of Gambling
- Restrict Gambling Ads: Ban gambling ads targeting minors and prevent gambling content in youth sports or media.
- Age Verification: Ensure strict age checks on online gambling platforms to prevent underage access.
c) Youth-Specific Support Services
- Helplines and Resources: Offer confidential, youth-friendly gambling support services, including online chat and peer support networks.
- School and Community Support: Provide mental health and counseling services for youth experiencing gambling-related harm.
d) Promote Healthy Alternatives
- Engage in Positive Activities: Encourage youth participation in sports, arts, or volunteering as alternatives to gambling.
- Mentoring Programs: Create peer-led initiatives where older youth help guide younger ones on the risks of gambling.
e)Parental and Community Involvement
- Parent Education: Equip parents with knowledge to recognize gambling risks and support their children.
- Community Outreach: Work with community groups to offer safe, engaging activities that reduce the appeal of gambling.
f) Regulatory Enforcement
- Enforce Age Restrictions: Strengthen penalties for underage gambling and ensure effective enforcement across all platforms.
- Digital Protections: Implement laws to block gambling content for minors on social media, apps, and video games.
- Advocate and allocate resources for law enforcemnt: Most countries actually have strict laws in place, however laws are not followed and too many loopholes exist to avoid regualation
By focusing on education, targeted regulation, accessible support, and alternatives to gambling, these actions can help reduce youth gambling risks and build healthier communities.