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One of the most worrying challenges facing our society in the digital age is Increase in online gambling among children and teenagersThis phenomenon has grown exponentially with the proliferation of mobile devices and the internet, with ads everywhere, posing a significant risk to young people’s mental health and cognitive development. The ease with which girls and boys can access these types of sites has created an alarming situation, Urgent attention and effective regulatory measures are needed.
In Argentina, schools, whether public or private, represent a space for public discourse and citizenship. It is in schools that the State has the power to transmit fundamental values and knowledge for the present generation and to train future generations, a process that is particularly Adriana Puigros is described as the core of education. However, when In the classroom today, there are boys and girls playing or betting on the platform while the teacher explains somethinga complex tension has arisen between state discourse and market discourse. If we replace the school scenario with one where a teacher is developing content while a group of students may bet on a private platform, there is no clearer image of the decline of public discourse.
This not only disrupts the educational process but also leads to the deterioration of school discourse, which is responsible for citizenship building, strengthening social ties and a sense of community life.
Internationally, many countries have taken measures to address this issue. In the UK, the Gambling Commission has set strict regulations to restrict gambling advertising and access by minors. In addition, it has carried out publicity campaigns and imposed restrictions on financial transactions related to gambling. Australia has introduced a number of reforms, including stricter identity checks and gambling age limits, aimed at protecting young people from negative influences and preventing addiction.
In the United States, some states have also begun to take strong action to regulate the participation of girls and boys in online gambling. Laws have been introduced to force these platforms to use advanced age verification technology and limit the amount of money users can bet. In addition, schools have developed educational programs to publicize the risks associated with gambling and promote responsible behavior when using technology.
Argentina has begun efforts to regulate online gambling, but legislation still needs to be strengthenedAlmost all political forces are working on bills seeking to restrict access to these platforms by age and establish stricter control mechanisms. Education and supervision are important components, but a strong awareness and intervention in the family environment is also needed.Schools must include training programmes on the risks of gambling and promote the responsible use of technology with perspectives such as UNESCO, which has been proposing this framework on media and information literacy for more than a decade.
It is critical that families and educators understand the signs of problem gambling and take proactive action to mitigate its effects. Social isolation, deteriorating academic performance, behavioral changes, and misuse of money are warning signs that we need to take action to address this growing problem.Early intervention can prevent addiction from developing and help teens develop healthy habits.
The reality is so worrying Argentine Society of Pediatrics (SAP)combined with Argentine Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AAPI)A statement was issued last March expressing concerns about this: “Gambling, like alcohol and drugs, fills a vulnerable or empty space for children with certain vulnerabilities. It pulls them away from social interaction and other academic, recreational or activities. The problem is not only psychological, games affect the brain’s neuroendocrine circuits, activating the rapid reward system, which produces instant pleasure and a strong need to continue playing games, which are often compulsively repeated stress, “anxiety, depression and other mental health problems. Problems with online gaming can cause problems, and girls, boys and adolescents may experience shame, guilt and social isolation due to compulsive gaming behavior.”
Child and adolescent gambling manifests as compulsive behaviour that affects not only the young people but also their families and communities. Minors are at a critical stage of growth and are particularly susceptible to developing compulsive gambling habits, which can have long-term consequences.
The phenomenon of online gambling among children and young people is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted response. Strict regulation, preventive education in media and information literacy, and family support are fundamental pillars in addressing this challenge. Schools, as venues for developing civic awareness, play a vital role in developing aware, responsible young people.
The challenges of the digital age are numerous and the potential is enormous, but so are the risks and new tensions we face as a society, compelling us to Urgently develop mitigation strategies Ensuring the rights of our children and young people are protected.
* PhD in Communications. Head of Training and Outreach at the Public Defender’s Office. FPyCS/UNLP teacher.
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