Tips for parents: how to keep children safe from online gambling
Introduction
In Australia, online gambling is legal from the age of 18. However, it is not uncommon for teens to encounter tempting ads, "crash game" streams and microtransaction social games that form addiction. Parents play a key role in mitigating risks, from setting technical limits to talking openly about the dangers of gambling.
1. Technical protection measures
1. Parental Controls on Devices
Family accounts: Create separate profiles for children on computers and smartphones with time and content restrictions.
Specialized applications: install filter applications (for example, Qustodio, Net Nanny) that block sites and keywords related to gambling.
2. Block unsafe sites
Hosts file or DNS filters: blacklist the domains of betting operators and crash games.
Router filtering: Use the built-in capabilities of the router or services such as OpenDNS to restrict access at the network level.
3. Limiting financial transactions
Improper cards: do not store bank card details in the child's profiles; link them only to adult accounts.
Expense Control: Include SMS alerts for any charges related to in-app purchases and online payments.
2. Open and regular dialogues
1. Talking about risks and patterns
Explain the principle of "variable reward" and how it affects the brain.
Give real stories - statistics on teenage addiction and its consequences.
2. Setting family rules
Clearly state: "not a single bet under 18 years old."
Agree on sanctions for violation (privileges, pocket money).
3. Engaging an adolescent in alternative activity
Sports, hobbies, joint projects help reduce free time and distract from the screen.
Encourage participation in clubs or volunteer movements.
3. Platform Monitoring and Collaboration
1. Checking installed applications
Regularly view the list of installed games and applications, paying attention to the names with "crash," "spin," "casino."
Analyze browser history and purchase history in the App Store/Google Play.
2. Using built-in age filters
On YouTube, Twitch and social networks, turn on family or limited mode (YouTube Restricted Mode, TikTok Family Pairing).
Ban inappropriate content categories.
3. Content complaints and blocking
Train your child to complain about gambling ads and broadcasts (Complain function on YouTube, Twitch).
Refer to Australian platform and legal age rules.
4. Legal aspects and support
1. Knowledge of laws
Interactive Gambling Act 2001: Operators' responsibility for attracting minors.
States and territories: additional sanctions for violation of the age limit.
2. Appeal to the authorities
ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Filing a complaint about illegal advertising.
E-Safety Commissioner: online child protection and educational resources.
3. Prevention of addiction
Contact centers: Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) - 24-hour support for teenagers and parents.
Local NGOs: mutual assistance groups and counseling psychologists.
5. Recommendations for the whole family
Family "media days": days without gadgets when you are engaged in offline activities together.
Joint digital etiquette: discuss new games and trends, assess risks together.
Healthy Behavior Model: Set your example with a smart approach to entertainment and money.
Conclusion
The combination of technical filters, open dialogue and legal consciousness can significantly reduce the risk of involving adolescents in online gambling. Parents, having knowledge of the operation of algorithms and legislative norms, can effectively protect children and form a critical attitude towards gambling before reaching the legal age of 18 years.
In Australia, online gambling is legal from the age of 18. However, it is not uncommon for teens to encounter tempting ads, "crash game" streams and microtransaction social games that form addiction. Parents play a key role in mitigating risks, from setting technical limits to talking openly about the dangers of gambling.
1. Technical protection measures
1. Parental Controls on Devices
Family accounts: Create separate profiles for children on computers and smartphones with time and content restrictions.
Specialized applications: install filter applications (for example, Qustodio, Net Nanny) that block sites and keywords related to gambling.
2. Block unsafe sites
Hosts file or DNS filters: blacklist the domains of betting operators and crash games.
Router filtering: Use the built-in capabilities of the router or services such as OpenDNS to restrict access at the network level.
3. Limiting financial transactions
Improper cards: do not store bank card details in the child's profiles; link them only to adult accounts.
Expense Control: Include SMS alerts for any charges related to in-app purchases and online payments.
2. Open and regular dialogues
1. Talking about risks and patterns
Explain the principle of "variable reward" and how it affects the brain.
Give real stories - statistics on teenage addiction and its consequences.
2. Setting family rules
Clearly state: "not a single bet under 18 years old."
Agree on sanctions for violation (privileges, pocket money).
3. Engaging an adolescent in alternative activity
Sports, hobbies, joint projects help reduce free time and distract from the screen.
Encourage participation in clubs or volunteer movements.
3. Platform Monitoring and Collaboration
1. Checking installed applications
Regularly view the list of installed games and applications, paying attention to the names with "crash," "spin," "casino."
Analyze browser history and purchase history in the App Store/Google Play.
2. Using built-in age filters
On YouTube, Twitch and social networks, turn on family or limited mode (YouTube Restricted Mode, TikTok Family Pairing).
Ban inappropriate content categories.
3. Content complaints and blocking
Train your child to complain about gambling ads and broadcasts (Complain function on YouTube, Twitch).
Refer to Australian platform and legal age rules.
4. Legal aspects and support
1. Knowledge of laws
Interactive Gambling Act 2001: Operators' responsibility for attracting minors.
States and territories: additional sanctions for violation of the age limit.
2. Appeal to the authorities
ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Filing a complaint about illegal advertising.
E-Safety Commissioner: online child protection and educational resources.
3. Prevention of addiction
Contact centers: Gambling Help Online (1800 858 858) - 24-hour support for teenagers and parents.
Local NGOs: mutual assistance groups and counseling psychologists.
5. Recommendations for the whole family
Family "media days": days without gadgets when you are engaged in offline activities together.
Joint digital etiquette: discuss new games and trends, assess risks together.
Healthy Behavior Model: Set your example with a smart approach to entertainment and money.
Conclusion
The combination of technical filters, open dialogue and legal consciousness can significantly reduce the risk of involving adolescents in online gambling. Parents, having knowledge of the operation of algorithms and legislative norms, can effectively protect children and form a critical attitude towards gambling before reaching the legal age of 18 years.
