by Renee Israel
The number of teenagers who are developing gambling habits in the UK is increasing from year to year, and the responsible gambling group, GamCare has called for greater education in this field as a result.
A recent study showed that over 60,000 12 to 15 year olds in the United Kingdom were gambling at least once a week.
As such, the charity group called for teachers and parents to do more than is currently done to warn teens about the risks of gambling.
Just as teens were taught the dangers of alcohol and unsafe sex, so too should they be taught about the dangers of gambling, said GamCare.
According to GamCare, the nature of advertising for betting groups and online betting sites has changed significantly in the past few years, leading to a change in gambling habits as a result.
"What we're trying to do is encourage people to talk about gambling and how to gamble responsibly," said Jane Rigbye for GamCare.
"Obviously with drugs and alcohol you'll find lots of education in schools and parents set boundaries."
Rigbye said that only about 5% of today's parents speak to their children about the dangers of gambling.
"It can be as addictive as drugs and alcohol and we want to make sure the risk are taken into account in the curriculum and in conversation with parents," she said.
A spokesperson for the the Department of Education said that it plans to overhaul the entire curriculum at schools next year which relates to gambling education.
It is already a recommended option that teachers discuss gambling with children, although it is not yet a must.
GamCare is considered the leading provider of information, advice and support for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling in the United Kingdom.
The group prides itself in taking a non judgmental approach to gambling and does not restrict the choices or opportunities for anyone who wishes to engage in gambling.
