Teenagers and Compulsive Gambling Online
Problem or compulsive wagering as some call it, has always been an issue among the adult population. The option of Internet wagering and online gambling sites has served to aggravate the problem. But even of more concern, is that teenage wagering, once a problem for poker88 online parents, is today an evergrowing phenomena. Unfortunately, it is not unusual today to listen about teens who have become dependent on wagering online.
In a review of 1, 300 calls to the National Problem Wagering Helpline for immediate help, 106 clients (8%) reported that their primary problem was internet wagering. The main age of these individuals was aged 18-25. Furthermore, the latest study by the Annenberg Foundation found that almost 600, 000 youth (aged 14-22) reported wagering on the internet on a monthly basis.
These numbers are concerning, but not surprising.
Why is it dangerous?
Children and teens are more susceptible to addiction. So experience of wagering at a young age is very risky.A wagering addiction is not dissimilar to an dependence on drugs and alcohol. The potential damaging effects can be devastating to the individual and the family as well as lead to other compulsive behaviors.The popularity of on-line poker and the glamorization around it have contributed to making wagering more acceptable and mainstream. Wagering today is normal behavior, even among teens.20% of problem players try to commit suicide at some point.Signs of a problemExperiencing a big win can lead to continued wagering. Look.They spend more and more time wagering rather than other entertainment or interests.There is a change in their helpful performance.They need to borrow money frequently and/or start to exhibit pressure about finances.You find that money is missing from the house or your wallet.They start buying new, expensive items without reasonable information of the source of the money.Irritable behavior and mood ups and downs.SolutionsEven if you think it is under control, if your child is wagering, talk to them about it. Open communication is the best way to know what is occurring and to prevent problems.If you suspect she or he is hiding an online wagering problem, you can test their computer and see what sites they are visiting online.If you decide that your teen should not be permitted to gamble online, you may want to put in force certain Internet rules by installing a Parental Control software.If you suspect a serious problem, consult with a professional.If your teen admits to a problem, you use a software solution, such as a web filter to block wagering sites and prevent access. In many cases, eliminating the access will be enough to eliminate the problem.