You might believe that it’s too early for you to think about gambling and your child. Especially since the legal betting age for pokies, the TAB and casinos are 18 years of age.

But some children start to gamble at such a young age – as young as 10. Before they turn 15, most children have already gambled.

Most children and teenagers get their gambling fix through card games and lottery tickets. As children get older, they switch to more serious gambling activities, such as betting on sports and racing.

In addition, children may gamble without money using Facebook applications and smartphones. Many video games feature gambling themes. Young people can gamble anytime, day or night, thanks to these devices.

Countless children are exposed to gambling and gambling-like experiences throughout their lives, including while playing sports. Gambling advertisements convey that gambling is exciting, fun, and a simple way to make quick money.

This act may lead to massive loss of money for them and consequentially causing them to be knee-deep in debt. To correct this attitude, it must be prevented and corrected at a tender age.

To prevent gambling in teenagers and children, take these few steps:

• Give an overview of how gambling works

The children in the upper primary school years usually understand the low chances of winning long-term associated with gambling.

The gambling industry is designed so that it always makes more money than it pays out to gamblers. This is because businesses wouldn’t exist if they couldn’t make money.

• Watch out for warning signs of gambling.

For teenagers experiencing hardships at home or school, gambling can escape boredom or escape stress.

By being aware of their social, educational, and mental health problems, you can prevent gambling and other unhealthy activities.

• Consider the attitudes and activities of your family

Your family’s attitude toward gambling can influence your child. It is less likely that your child will develop problems if he isn’t exposed to too much.

If parents gamble regularly, children might see gambling as normal behavior and want to copy what they see their parents doing – playing poker machines, using scratchy cards, or betting on races and sport.

• Talk about screen use and online gambling.

The best way to help your child make good decisions about online gambling and gaming is by talking about quality media choices.