Gambling & Young Adults
Talking openly about gambling with your children can help build trust and encourage healthier attitudes from an early age.
Start a conversation
Starting a conversation about gambling doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. The goal is to create a safe space where your child feels heard, not judged.
Choose the right moment
Pick a calm, natural time to talk—such as during a casual activity or when watching sports or gaming together. Avoid bringing it up during arguments or stressful situations.
Keep it simple and honest
Use clear, age-appropriate language. You don’t need to explain everything at once—focus on basic ideas like risk, money, and how gambling works.
Listen more than you speak
Encourage your child to share their thoughts or experiences. Even if you disagree, listening helps build trust and makes future conversations easier.
Make it an ongoing conversation
Don’t treat it as a one-time talk. Check in regularly so your child feels comfortable coming to you with questions or concerns over time.
Help your child reduce negative impacts of gambling
- Set clear boundaries around gaming, online spending, and gambling-related content
- Monitor exposure to gambling ads, apps, or features in games
- Encourage healthy hobbies and offline activities to maintain balance
Find a Treatment Centre
If you’re concerned that gambling may already be affecting your child or family, professional support is available. Treatment centres can provide guidance, counselling, and structured help to manage gambling-related issues in a safe and supportive environment.