Australia: Children at risk of gambling addiction

Numerous Australian MPs are calling for an urgent parliamentary inquiry into the impact of advertising on children and young people by industries deemed “harmful”. 

Gambling of concern

It has been reported that a 16 percent increase in young people seeking help for gaming in the last financial year has been recorded, prompting significant concern for gambling among this demographic.

Among the MPs calling for this inquiry is Dr Sophie Scamps who warns if action isn’t taken a generation of young people could become addicted to gambling, levelling particular criticism at unethical advertising. 

She stated on the matter:

“It’s staggering that we have allowed gambling to become so normalised and advertised so widely in this country that gambling harm is now increasingly common in school-age children.”

The extent of the issue

Many schools across Australia are witnessing the adverse effects of gambling on students’ education as well as their brain development. 

Public health experts have also advocated for independent, educational campaigns free from industry influence. 

In addition, many have also suggested a complete ban on gambling sponsorships during sporting events, and sporting uniforms along with an independent body to impose penalties for any ethical breaches.

Advertising

MP Kate Chaney has also weighed in on the situation, emphasising the need to understand how young people are targeted by harmful industries on social media.

Furthermore, she highlighted that gaming companies are becoming increasingly sophisticated when using personal data to their advantage. 

Teachers and underage gambling

The call for a parliamentary inquiry has come in lieu of the CEO of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia, Dr Chris Duncan, stating that addiction to gambling could be affecting children’s ability to learn and concentrate at school.

This tender age is a critical time for brain development and the copious presence of gambling advertising has clearly permeated the culture at schools, so much so, that teachers are claiming to have seen students gambling in classrooms.

Further support

Greens spokesperson, Janet Rice, has also begun calls for a National Independent Gambling Regulator and a total ban on all gambling advertising. 

Additionally, Independent MP, Andrew Wilkie supports the inquiry, shocked by the number of young people seeking help for problem gambling.

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