Online gambling, popularly known as “bets”, has become increasingly present in the lives of Brazilians, raising concerns in various spheres of society. This affects young people and children, but not just adults.
A recent survey, the 7th edition of the Brazilian Investor X-Ray, conducted by Anbima (Brazilian Association of Financial and Capital Market Entities), revealed alarming data: the number of gamblers in Brazil already exceeds the number of investors in traditional financial products.
In 2023, around 22 million Brazilians, equivalent to 14% of the population, placed at least one online bet. Many of these people are young too.
Of these, 5 million are frequent gamblers, and the most worrying thing is that 22% of this group considers betting a form of “financial investment”. Among the main motivations, 40% of the interviewees stated that they play to “make quick money”, while 39% seek a “high return”.
Apps that put people at risk, even young people
In addition to betting, online casino games such as slots and roulette have also been gaining popularity. However, the reality is that the chances of losing money are significantly higher than those of winning.
This disparity has led many gamblers to precarious financial situations, accumulating considerable debts. It is essential to emphasize that these games cannot be confused with investments, as they are, in fact, a form of entertainment with a high risk of loss.
Children and Teens: New Easy Targets
What many people don’t realize is that this gambling trend doesn’t just affect adults. Children and teenagers are increasingly exposed to these games, posing a growing challenge for parents and educators. In São Paulo, a private school sent a warning letter to parents, highlighting the increase in the use of gambling apps among students.
Cases of young people who quickly win and lose money gambling, leading their families into debt, have become common.
Gambling addiction, especially in football matches, has mainly affected teenagers involved in youth teams.
These young people are often exposed to advertising from sponsoring companies, creating an environment conducive to the development of compulsive behaviors.
In one recent case, a 14-year-old teenager accumulated a debt of R$1,400,000 after borrowing money to continue betting. In response, some sports clubs have been holding lectures and educational campaigns to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of such practices.
Risks and Consequences that need to be discovered
The ease of access to gambling apps and the appeal of games with captivating characters have left children and teenagers vulnerable to serious risks. Doctors and experts warn that gambling addiction can be as devastating as addiction to substances such as alcohol and drugs.
This is because gambling releases dopamine, the pleasure hormone, which can create a dangerous addiction. Children and teenagers are particularly susceptible, as the part of the brain responsible for self-control is still developing.
One worrying tactic used by betting companies is the use of young influencers to promote their services. These young people, who have a large reach on social media, end up legitimizing betting in the eyes of their younger followers.
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The normalization of these practices can make children and adolescents even more vulnerable, leading them to see gambling as a common and harmless activity.
The effects of this early involvement in gambling are diverse and serious. Financial problems, a decline in school performance, withdrawal from social activities and even mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression are among the possible consequences.
How to Identify Problems in Manes, Young and Adult
Detecting gambling addiction in children and teens can be challenging, but some warning signs can help parents and educators identify the problem.
Sudden mood swings, secretive behavior regarding online activities, unexplained disappearance of money or valuables, and an obsessive interest in gambling and betting are signs that should not be ignored.
Preventing children and teenagers from engaging in online gambling requires a proactive and open approach. Dialogue is an essential tool. Parents should talk to their children about the dangers of gambling and set clear limits on the use of online apps and games. Explaining that gambling is not a reliable way to make money and that it can lead to serious problems is essential to protecting young people.
Additionally, it is crucial for parents to be involved in their children’s digital lives by monitoring their use of electronic devices and actively participating in online activities such as gaming. This interaction helps build trust and prevent risky behavior.
Tips for Protecting Your Children
There are several strategies parents can adopt to protect their children from online gambling:
- Reducing Screen Time: Encourage outdoor activities and sports to reduce the amount of time children spend in front of screens.
- Dialogue and Monitoring: Talk to your children regularly about device use and restrict access to family credit cards and financial information.
- Financial Education: Teach from an early age the importance of financial management and the dangers of debt.
- Active Participation: Monitor and discuss the content your children consume online, creating a space for dialogue and prevention.
