Is my child addicted? Clearly detect gambling addiction early on

Gambling on the Internet: detecting child gambling early
Around half a million people in Germany are affected by gambling addiction, according to an older study. Many are at risk. However, children and adolescents do not usually gamble on the machine these days, but on the Internet. This makes it even more difficult for parents to keep track of the offspring's gambling activities.

Half a million Germans affected by gambling addiction
Experts repeatedly warn against the great addictiveness of gambling. According to an earlier study on pathological gambling and epidemiology (PAGE), around 500,000 people in Germany are affected by gambling addiction. Tens of thousands of people are at risk, including children and adolescents. These play less on the machine these days, but rather online. This complicates the situation for parents.

Teenagers used to like to play automatons, but today they tend to play on the internet. This makes it harder for parents to keep track of the offspring's gambling activities. (Image: alexlmx / fotolia.com)

Children and teenagers nowadays gamble on the internet
It is also made very easy for the young people. With just one click on the internet everyone can confirm that they are 18 years old. In this way, young people can participate in online gambling, although the youth protection law actually forbids this.

The Association of Paediatricians (BVKJ) warned according to a message from the news agency dpa that simulated gambling in young people increase the gambling addiction risk, even if it is not money at the beginning. Then the transition from fun gambling to real money play is fluent.

Is my child addicted to gambling??
But how can one recognize that one's own offspring is addicted to gambling? According to the youth doctors, a sign could be if the child is constantly asking for money. In some cases, the chronically clammy teenagers then sell things that are of great value to them.

In addition, they usually meet less often with their friends or neglect their personal hygiene. Parents should always be aware of when their child changes a lot in a short time.

Clear rules for media and internet use
According to the medical profession, one can counteract by setting up clear rules for media and Internet use with the adolescent and keeping them in a contract - for example, before a new computer is purchased.

In addition, parents should offer their children alternatives for their free time: for example, a concert visit with friends or membership in a sports club.

Professional help
But sometimes it is better to seek professional help. Those affected by gambling addiction can often be helped by therapy with psychotherapeutic discussions and group work.

Gambling addicts "should always get help early by, for example, visit a counseling center for gambling addiction. Concerned or their relatives can inform themselves there and if necessary take advantage of professional assistance offers ", explained. Olivier Simon on behalf of the Swiss Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (SGPP) on the subject portal "www.psychiater-im-netz.org". (Ad)