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Early start in excitement (up to 18 years) becomes a serious risk factor for the psychological and emotional health of adolescents. Below are the main mechanisms and consequences of such access.

1. Impaired self-control

The prefrontal cortex is responsible for planning and suppressing impulses. In adolescents, it has not yet matured, so early bets lead to rash decisions and "catching up" losses.
Habit formation: The systematic practice of "quick" winnings anchors the immediate reward model, making it difficult to transition to long-term goal-setting.

2. Increased risk of addiction

Dopamine response: The gain enhances dopamine release, and the adolescent brain is particularly sensitive to these signals.
Early addiction: Studies show that the earlier a person tried excitement, the higher the likelihood of forming a pathological addiction in adulthood.

3. Anxiety and depression

Chronic stress during "catch-ups" of losses activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which leads to increased anxiety and sleep disturbance.
Shame and guilt: a teenager tries to hide bets from his parents, which increases isolation and self-blame, often developing into depressive moods.

4. Distortion of risk and probability estimates

Illusion of control: the young man believes that he can "outsmart" the machine or bookmaker, underestimating the mathematical advantage of the institution.
Survivor effect: remembering only successful cases forms a vulnerable cognitive model: "I was lucky all the time," which provokes risky large bets.

5. Social and academic maladjustment

Peer disengagement: Gambling becomes a priority, crowding out hobbies and sports.
Falling academic performance: concentration on rates reduces the ability to study, outbursts of emotions lead to conflicts with teachers and parents.

6. Financial literacy failure

Lack of budget experience: it is difficult for a teenager to assess the value of money, bets are perceived as a "game" and not an expense.
Debt load: Early access often leads to the accumulation of microloans or unauthorized write-offs, which exacerbates stress.

7. Prevention and correction

1. Delaying access to 18 under the law is a key measure to protect the psyche of teenagers.
2. Educational programs in schools on financial literacy and informed decision-making.
3. Support for parents and psychologists: open conversations about risks, control of parental applications and filtering gambling content.
4. Early intervention: at the first signs of addiction (secrecy, frequent requests for money, sleep disorders) - consultation with a psychotherapist or participation in a support group.

Result

Early access to gambling disrupts key stages in the development of self-control, increases the risk of addiction, provokes anxiety and maladjustment, and disrupts financial literacy. Systemic measures - the age threshold of 18, education and parental controls - help protect adolescents from long-term mental trauma.