Support for teenagers and young players
Introduction
Adolescents and young adults are especially vulnerable to gambling due to the immaturity of the frontal lobes of the brain, the desire for quick rewards and the influence of the environment. Effective support is built on a combination of early detection, educational initiatives and specialist services available anywhere in Australia.
1. Early diagnosis and self-testing
School screenings: Intra-high school programs (15-18 years) with an anonymous PGSI-Youth questionnaire (adapted for adolescents).
Online tests: Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) short survey for 16 + on Gambler's Help portals; instant result and recommendations.
The role of school psychologists: regular "check-ups" of students with barely noticeable signs - a decrease in academic performance, anxiety, secrecy.
2. Educational initiatives in educational institutions
The Excitement and Brain module in the high school curriculum: explaining "home advantage," cognitive distortions, and risks.
Workshops with former addicts: guest lecturers (21-30 years old) tell real stories and self-control tools.
Parenting sessions: once a semester - lectures on the digital world of gambling applications, ways to filter content and methods of dialogue with a child.
3. Anonymous online and phone support
eheadspace (under 25): Chat and video consultations on stress and risk appetite, including gambling.
Youth Gambling Help Chat через gamblinghelponline. org. au: 24-hour anonymous chat specifically for young players.
Gambler's Help Youth Line: 1800 858 858 hotline, "teen mode" option - consultant trained to work with 16-25 year olds.
4. Dedicated Support Teams
Youth Gamblers Anonymous (YGA): Adapted version of "12 Steps" for 16- to 21-year-olds; meetings of university clubs and online on Zoom.
Peer-support in the state: VRGF and OLGR launch Buddy systems: each newcomer receives a volunteer mentor of the same age.
Discord communities curated by psychologists: closed channels for sharing experiences, support and joint mindfulness activities.
5. Technology barriers and parental controls
Mobile blockers: installation of Gamban Youth Edition (without the ability to disconnect without a parent PIN).
DNS filters: CleanBrowsing Family (Gambling category, age up to 18 years).
OS parental control: Screen Time (iOS) and Family Link (Android) with severe restrictions on access to gambling applications and sites.
6. Professional help and therapy
Better Access (Medicare): GP referrals to 16 + teens for subsidized psychologist or caseworker sessions.
Gambler's Help Youth Clinics: Free counseling at youth centers for VRGF and OLGR with family therapy.
Financial advice for the young: Through Financial Counselling Australia - short programs on basic budgeting and debt prevention.
7. Parent role and interaction
Open dialogue: Set a "weekly talk" rule about digital risks without criticism.
Joint contract: written agreement on time limits for free time and budget for entertainment.
Hobby support: invest time and resources in structured activities (sports, creativity, volunteering) as an alternative to gambling.
Conclusion
Timely and comprehensive support for adolescents and young people prevents the transition from curiosity to gambling addiction. The combination of educational programs, specialized services, technical barriers and family participation creates a reliable system of protection and helps young Australians make informed choices and maintain control over gambling risks.
Adolescents and young adults are especially vulnerable to gambling due to the immaturity of the frontal lobes of the brain, the desire for quick rewards and the influence of the environment. Effective support is built on a combination of early detection, educational initiatives and specialist services available anywhere in Australia.
1. Early diagnosis and self-testing
School screenings: Intra-high school programs (15-18 years) with an anonymous PGSI-Youth questionnaire (adapted for adolescents).
Online tests: Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) short survey for 16 + on Gambler's Help portals; instant result and recommendations.
The role of school psychologists: regular "check-ups" of students with barely noticeable signs - a decrease in academic performance, anxiety, secrecy.
2. Educational initiatives in educational institutions
The Excitement and Brain module in the high school curriculum: explaining "home advantage," cognitive distortions, and risks.
Workshops with former addicts: guest lecturers (21-30 years old) tell real stories and self-control tools.
Parenting sessions: once a semester - lectures on the digital world of gambling applications, ways to filter content and methods of dialogue with a child.
3. Anonymous online and phone support
eheadspace (under 25): Chat and video consultations on stress and risk appetite, including gambling.
Youth Gambling Help Chat через gamblinghelponline. org. au: 24-hour anonymous chat specifically for young players.
Gambler's Help Youth Line: 1800 858 858 hotline, "teen mode" option - consultant trained to work with 16-25 year olds.
4. Dedicated Support Teams
Youth Gamblers Anonymous (YGA): Adapted version of "12 Steps" for 16- to 21-year-olds; meetings of university clubs and online on Zoom.
Peer-support in the state: VRGF and OLGR launch Buddy systems: each newcomer receives a volunteer mentor of the same age.
Discord communities curated by psychologists: closed channels for sharing experiences, support and joint mindfulness activities.
5. Technology barriers and parental controls
Mobile blockers: installation of Gamban Youth Edition (without the ability to disconnect without a parent PIN).
DNS filters: CleanBrowsing Family (Gambling category, age up to 18 years).
OS parental control: Screen Time (iOS) and Family Link (Android) with severe restrictions on access to gambling applications and sites.
6. Professional help and therapy
Better Access (Medicare): GP referrals to 16 + teens for subsidized psychologist or caseworker sessions.
Gambler's Help Youth Clinics: Free counseling at youth centers for VRGF and OLGR with family therapy.
Financial advice for the young: Through Financial Counselling Australia - short programs on basic budgeting and debt prevention.
7. Parent role and interaction
Open dialogue: Set a "weekly talk" rule about digital risks without criticism.
Joint contract: written agreement on time limits for free time and budget for entertainment.
Hobby support: invest time and resources in structured activities (sports, creativity, volunteering) as an alternative to gambling.
Conclusion
Timely and comprehensive support for adolescents and young people prevents the transition from curiosity to gambling addiction. The combination of educational programs, specialized services, technical barriers and family participation creates a reliable system of protection and helps young Australians make informed choices and maintain control over gambling risks.
