Gambling and Gaming

Gambling

Gambling advertisements send messages that gambling is fun, exciting and a way to join in with others and get rich quickly!!

Warning signs that your child/teen/young person (? which term to use) might have a problem with gambling -

• Sudden changes in the amount of money your child has, your child is short of money, or your child borrowing or taking money from family and friends.
• Changes in sleep patterns, tiredness, low energy levels, changes in mood, or irritability when away from gambling activities 
• Falling grades at school
• Withdrawal from friends, social activities and events
• Positive attitudes towards gambling, or a preoccupation with video arcades, interest gambling sites, sports results or TV poker, or simulated gambling apps or games
• A new focus on sports odds instead of sports itself
• Secrecy about gambling or denial that there's a problem

Useful Links

Visit www.bigdeal.org.uk  for more information and support.

The Gambling Education Hub has useful guidance to support you. 

NHS Live Well site has links to addiction support. 

Gaming

'It's only a game' but it felt so real.

Online and social gambling is a large industry moving at a fast pace. It includes games your young person may play on a console and games played over websites and live streaming platforms. 

To keep gaming fun, you might want to suggest your child….  

• Block reports and mute people who troll or bully 
• Takes short breaks if gaming for a long time
• Don't share personal information with people in games
• Avoid in-game purchases like loot boxes
• Check the age rating of any games you play

Online connections can make the world seem like a small and friendly place. Unfortunately, not everyone online is who they say they are. As a young adult, you should be savvy on the basics of internet safety. Never use personal details as usernames, have secure passwords, and never give away personal and location information when speaking to people you don't know or have never seen online. A few top tips for keeping yourself safe online and having reasonable screen time;

• Prioritise your offline activities over your online ones, like sleep and socialising with friends
• Know your PEGI ratings, they're there for a reason
• Take regular breaks
• Have boundaries, if you wouldn't want your Grandparents to see it don't post it
• Remember online activity and posting your views online will stay around for a very long time. Employers will search your online presence
• If you are receiving unwanted or bullying messages you must tell someone
• Beware of hidden costs in apps, if you are asked for financial information for a free trial ensure you cancel before the end of the trial

Useful Links

Internet Matters Gaming Gudie for teens  

NSPCC Online Safety Guidance 

CEOP resources to keep your children safe online 

Childline has information and advice on bullying and abuse online and ways to stay safe on gaming platforms.