New York Council on Problem Gambling Launches Campaign Encouraging Parents to "Talk2Kids" and Stop Problem Gambling Before It Starts
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019 -- In an effort to raise awareness about the growing dangers of underage gambling in New York state, The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) has launched a comprehensive multimedia marketing campaign urging parents to talk to their young children ages 6 to 10 about the risks and realities of underage gambling.
The campaign, titled "Talk2Kids," is designed to address troubling statistics that reveal that a staggering 39.5 percent of youth age 12-17 have gambled over the past 12 months. Thirty percent of these youth state they began gambling at age 10 or younger. Gambling is defined as risking something of value on a game of chance for a desired result. Some examples of gambling include betting with friends on sports, games of skill and dares for money or possessions; raffles; lottery and scratch off tickets (obtained illegally or received as a gift); poker and other card and dice games; and, gambling online in video games, or on the outcome of video game matches.
“The goal of Talk2Kids is to have parents and community leaders — those who interact with young children — to start a dialogue with kids about gambling so that youth can be better informed and make healthier decisions for themselves,” said Michelle Hadden, assistant executive director, NYCPG.
The centerpiece of the campaign, which is part of NYCPG’s ongoing mission to raise awareness of problem gambling and gambling addiction in New York state, is a 30-second PSA of children letting their parents know they should ask what they are doing on their electronic devices. The spot, which will be shared with TV stations across the state, will direct parents to Talk2Kids.org, where they can get helpful tips and view brief educational videos showing real-life scenarios of parents speaking with their children about the possible serious consequences of their gambling activities. The campaign also includes commercials on streaming media services (OTT), digital advertising, brochure and leave behind pieces, and social media.
“Studies show that developing brains are especially susceptible to addiction,” said Hadden, adding that what youth do early in life influences their brain’s development into adulthood. “Children who gamble under the age of 24 are at a higher risk of developing a gambling problem because the parts of their brain that help them think through their decisions and consequences are still developing.”
Parents can make an important difference in their child’s future by talking with them about gambling, even if they’re as young as six years old. By asking questions, listening and showing interest in what their child is doing on their phone, tablet or gaming system, parents can stop problem gambling before it starts.
For more information and to learn helpful tips and view brief educational videos showing real life scenarios of parents speaking with their children about the possible serious consequences of their gambling activities, please visit Talk2Kids.org.
About The New York Council on Problem Gambling
The New York Council on Problem Gambling is an independent, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling and advocating for support services and treatment for persons adversely affected by gambling. The council maintains a neutral stance on gambling and is governed by a board of directors. For more information, visit nyproblemgambling.org.