Increasing Awareness on Compulsive Gambling in Schools: Lower Saxony Advocates for Recognition of Problematic Betting Practices in Educational Institutions, 2023
The 27th of September, 2023, marks the Gambling Addiction Action Day in Germany, with Lower Saxony taking the lead in raising awareness about the risks of gambling, particularly among young people. This nationwide event is under the patronage of the Federal Government's Drug Commissioner, Burkhard Blienert.
The focus of the day in Lower Saxony is on the "abgezockt" gambling course, a programme aimed at students. Developed in collaboration with the Institute for Teacher Training and School Development in Hamburg and gambling and addiction experts, this updated course seeks to instil a critical attitude towards gambling in young minds.
The health insurance company DAK-Gesundheit has also lent its support to the Gambling Addiction Action Day in Lower Saxony, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the growing concerns surrounding youth gambling.
Loot boxes in video games have come under scrutiny by some experts, with concerns about their potential connection to gambling risks. As such, the "abgezockt" course will also address these issues, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with various forms of gambling.
Research indicates that children and young people are particularly at risk when it comes to gambling offers. In the Netherlands, for instance, clinics have reported a rise in minors and young adults seeking help following the 2021 legalization of online gambling. Similarly, in the U.S., around 21% of young people have gambled with their own money in the past year, and 1.5% of 11-17 year olds meet criteria for a gambling disorder.
Measures to inform children, young people, and young adults about gambling addiction are being implemented, with the "abgezockt" course being a significant step towards this goal. The implementation of the updated course is planned to extend beyond the Gambling Action Day 2023, ensuring that its message reaches as many students as possible.
A pilot project of this prevention project will be conducted during the Gambling Addiction Action Day 2023, providing an opportunity to assess its effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments before its wider implementation in schools from 2024 in Lower Saxony.
In conclusion, the Gambling Addiction Action Day in Lower Saxony serves as a crucial platform for addressing the rising concerns surrounding youth gambling. Educational programmes like the updated "abgezockt" course are essential components in a comprehensive strategy to prevent gambling addiction among children and teenagers. With the increasing accessibility and ubiquity of online gambling platforms and in-game gambling mechanics, it is more important than ever to ensure that young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate these potential risks.
[References] [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6860129/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3167936/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6039808/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3167936/
- On the occasion of the Gambling Addiction Action Day in Germany, efforts are being made to address the rising concerns about online casinos and their impact on the mental health of young people, especially in Lower Saxony.
- Aiming to promote health-and-wellness and self-development, the "abgezockt" course, a comprehensive gambling education programme, has been developed for students to foster a critical understanding of the risks associated with various forms of gambling like online casinos.
- As part of the commitment to education-and-self-development, personal growth, and science, experts are calling for increased vigilance over in-game gambling mechanics, particularly loot boxes within online games, in order to protect young people from the potential risks of addiction and disturbances in learning.
