Problem gambling among adolescents and youth is a growing public health concern globally, as well as in Georgia, UNICEF study says.The aim of the UNICEF study, International Experience of Gambling Prevention Among Adolescents, conducted within the framework of the UNICEF and Patriarchate of Georgia Partnership, was to understand how other countries, including developed countries, are responding to growing problems of adolescents gambling, as well as share best practices in the concerned area.

Worldwide, the prevalence of gambling is 2 to 4 times higher among adolescents than among adults, with up to 8% of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 being pathological gamblers. Problem gambling during adolescence can lead to adverse outcomes, such as strained relationships, delinquency and criminal behaviors, depression and even suicide. Such negative outcomes have short- and long-term implications for the individuals, their families, peers, as well as for society at large.

Adolescents are more susceptible to gambling fallacies, says Dr. Ghassan Khalil, UNICEF Representative in Georgia. Early exposure to gambling may lead to a higher risk of developing problem gambling. It is crucial to take decisive steps by strengthening evidence-based policies and prevention strategies, as well as by launching specific services tailored for young people to reduce current and future harm and social costs associated with gambling, Khalil added.

The study finds that a significant reduction of demand on gambling could be achieved by awareness raising, education activities, and public health policy introduction and implementation. Adolescents with less knowledge about gambling and problem gambling are more likely to gamble and achieve a problem gambling level than those who have greater knowledge about the harm of gambling.

In June 2020, the adolescents hotline 111 was established to address the psychosocial needs of adolescents/youth and their parents/caregivers, in response to an increase of pathological gambling or gaming during COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide psychological first aid and psychotherapy if needed. To reach the hotline, adolescents, children and their families need to dial 111. The number is operational during working days from 10am till 7pm. All calls from Georgia are free of charge.

The child hotline is a joint initiative of the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee of the Parliament of Georgia, the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories of Georgia, Labour, Health and Social Affairs and UNICEF. The goal of the hotline is to respond to the immediate needs of children and adolescents during the COVID19 pandemic.

Last week, Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, Ekaterine Tikaradze conducted a working meeting with the representatives of UNICEF. UNICEF presented to the Ministry the results of the recently conducted research. The goal of the research is to assess the readiness of social system amid COVID-19 and its impact on the poverty rate. Read more.

EU and WHO delivered 15 tons of COVID-19 supplies in Georgia

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The FINANCIAL - UNICEF: Gambling prevention in adolescents should be on a national health agenda - The FINANCIAL