Tips for parents of players
1. Know the facts about gambling
Online casino availability: Mobile apps and sites are open 24/7.
Age restrictions: officially participation under 18 is prohibited, but access is easy to get through someone else's account.
The nature of addiction: up to 5% of youth are prone to problem behavior with passion.
2. Signs of possible problem play in a child
1. Secrecy and evasive answers
Hides the phone or computer screen, deletes browser history.
2. Unexplained spending and debt
Money "disappears" from pocket spending; the child asks to borrow funds.
3. Mood swings
Joy and excitement after a "successful bet," irritation or depression at failure.
4. Social isolation
Not meeting friends, less time for hobbies and sports.
3. Organize an open dialogue
1. Choose the right moment
A calm environment without extraneous stimuli.
2. Start with care, not blame
"I'm worried you're spending too much time in the game."- 3. Listen without judgment
Let the child speak about the reasons for passion and feelings.
4. Work out the rules together
Limitation of time and amounts of "pocket" expenses; setting "no game" during study and after lights out.
4. Set up technical and family barriers
Parental controls
Block gambling sites and apps on all devices.
Shared passwords and sharing
Discuss the condition: access to game accounts only with parents.
Family rules
Time without gadgets (family dinner, walks), study priority and hobbies.
5. Supporting alternative hobbies
1. Family activities
Sports, hiking, board games, creative workshops.
2. Encouraging success on the sidelines
Praise for achievements in study, sports, circles.
3. Planning shared leisure activities
Weekly family outings or events without gadgets and gambling incentives.
6. Talking about money and risk
A simple financial lesson
Explain that each bet is a payment for emotions, not a way to earn money.
Introduction of "wallet with goals"
Instead of gambling, save pocket money for a big purchase or trip.
Transparency of transactions
Check what your child is spending money on and help keep a simple account.
7. When you need professional help
1. Obvious signs of addiction
The constant need to play, even to the detriment of sleep, study and relationships.
2. Financial crisis
Classes with friends and relatives, debts, the threat of collection on loans.
3. Contacting specialists
Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858 is a free hotline.
Local psychologists and Gamblers Anonymous groups for teenagers.
Conclusion
The role of parents is not a controller or punisher, but support and mentor. Early feature recognition, open dialogue, joint rule-building and alternative suggestions are important. When anxiety symptoms increase, do not delay contacting professionals: timely help saves the relationship, health and future of the child.
