B2
Blue Mountain Eagle
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
MAY 2017
PROBLEM
GAMBLING:
Have the Conversation
with Your Teen
Teens today are growing up in an
environment where multiple forms
of gambling exist and are heavily
promoted. Most unregulated
fantasy sports and online gambling
sites are readily available to teens
via smartphones and tablets.
Prepaid debit cards are often used
to make transactions. Many
parents do not perceive youth
gambling as risky behavior. Recent
Oregon data, however, indicates
that youth who gamble are more
likely to engage in other risky
behaviors such as drinking and
using other drugs. Even though
most kids will not go on to develop
a gambling addiction, parents
should be aware of the risks
associated with gambling. In Grant
County the percent of youth
reporting gambling activities has
remained relatively stable over the
last several years.
In 2012, 35% of 6th graders and
42% of 8th graders reported
participating in some form of
gambling in the last 30 days. In
2016, 33% of 6th and 36% of 8th
graders reported gambling
activities. The most popular form
of gambling among youth in Grant
County is betting on sports teams,
followed by betting on games of
personal skills, playing cards or
dice, and playing lottery tickets. A
key to preventing problem
gambling is talking about it with
your teen. A great place to start
the conversation is by asking your
teen what they think about
gambling. Discuss the risks and be
clear. If you are concerned that you
or your teen is having problems
related to gambling visit
www.opgr.org.
Sources: Oregon Student Wellness survey, 2012-2016 available online: http://oregon.pridesurveys.com/
Tips for Parents
Signs of Problem Gambling Among Youth:
• Playing gambling-type games on the internet
• Borrowing money from family or friends to gamble
• Carrying gambling materials such as dice, cards or betting
sheets
• Selling personal belongings, unexplained debts, missing money
or valuables
• Preoccupied with gambling: spending an unusual amount of
time reading about or watching sports or poker on TV
• Lying, cheating or stealing at school
• Belief that gambling is one the best ways to make easy money
GETTING HELP
Community
Counseling Solutions:
(541) 575-1466
https://communitycounselingsolutions.org
05456