I am worried about my son’s online gambling – how can I help him?

gamblingA study of 96,000 European school students aged 15-16 years old has shown that 23% of
boys report that they have gambled online for money
and 12% report doing so frequently (2-4 times a month or more).

There is growing evidence that gambling has the same potential to become addictive as drugs.

If you are concerned about your son, here’s how you can help.

  • Talk to your child about the dangers of online gambling and share your concerns about him. Research shows that the earlier a person starts gambling, the more at risk they are of developing a gambling problem.
  • Set a good example – you are an important role model, so limit your own gambling behaviour and don’t do it in front of your children.
  • Use your internet service provider’s safety tools to block gambling sites (as well as other inappropriate online content). Do the same for any mobiles, tablets etc. Mobile devices have settings to activate parental controls. For more on internet safety for children visit the NSPCC website.
  • In addition, set clear rules about which sites your son is allowed to visit and which ones he isn’t. Track which websites your son is visiting.
  • Ensure he doesn’t have access to a credit card for payment online.
  • Keep computers in common areas.

There is some great advice for teenagers and parents at youthgambling.com and at kidshealth.org

If you have further concerns and would like to get additional support for your child

Contact your GP and ask for a referral to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)

Or contact Westend Counselling to discuss how counselling and therapy can help.

 

 

 

 

 

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