Parental behaviour a factor in teen gambling rates, study finds
A study finds parental behavior significantly influences teenage gambling rates and normalization.Summary
Research from CQUniversity's Appleton Institute and Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory indicates that parental facilitation is a primary predictor of adolescent gambling problems. Behaviors such as discussing gambling wins, asking teens to pick lottery numbers, or allowing access to online accounts contribute to this trend.
Experts suggest that the normalization of gambling in Australia is driven by high advertising saturation and lax regulations. Despite a 2023 parliamentary inquiry recommending reforms like advertising bans and a national regulator, significant legislative action has yet to be implemented.
While approximately 30% of parents are aware of their children's gambling, they often view it as a low-risk social activity rather than a major concern, ranking it lower than issues like mental health or bullying.
(Source：ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation))