GUELPH – Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) is concerned that some youths in the region are developing problems with gambling.
It’s occupying their mind space, affecting their relationships and, in some cases, is getting youth into debt.
And it’s potentially setting them on a path for problem gambling as adults.
Health promotion manager Anna Vanderlaan presented a report to the board of health on Sept. 4 outlining the data and what’s being done to assist youth and guide them away from problem gambling.
“These are not issues public health can do alone,” Vanderlaan said, noting that while gambling among youth has been consistent since 2019 – about 22 per cent in grades 7 to 12 report gambling – “the method of gambling has changed, and that is concerning.”
About 24% of these students are gambling through video games, and online betting on sports games is on the rise.
“That’s very different from purchasing a lottery ticket,” Vanderlaan said.
“Given local data and evidence-based associations between gambling and addictive behaviours, and poor mental health and well-being in youth, programs and services supporting youth-gambling prevention and education are needed in WDG,” she continued in her report.
WDGPH piloted a program in 2023 that was created by Community Addiction Services at Homewood Health Centre in partnership with the Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board.
The program was developed for grade 8 students and was piloted in two schools in 2023.
Between January and March 2024, four schools (nine classes) with a total of 258 grade eight students received the program.
The program aimed to increase their coping strategies, critical thinking and decision making, as well as provide resources for additional help.
“As gambling-related harms are complex and often intertwine with other potentially addictive and harmful behaviours, preventative efforts are needed, especially among vulnerable youth populations whose exposure to online gambling and sports betting is increasing,” Vanderlaan concluded in her report.
She suggested parents and caregivers should talk and listen to their teens about gambling and gaming, explain the risks, and set limits on screen time.
And be present while teens are on their screens.
She noted associate medical officer of health Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, along with experts at Homewood, will be offering an online forum for parents on youth gambling on Oct. 29.
Details on how to attend the session will be forthcoming.
