The initiative seeks to assist member states in creating strategies to tackle youth gambling challenges, as many still lack official policies.
The Council of Europe has launched a new initiative to tackle rising concerns about online gambling and gaming among young people, introducing the project during a two-day conference in Rome.
This effort focuses on developing policy recommendations and increasing awareness of addiction risks among youth.
Research shared at the event indicates that gambling disorders may impact up to 26.4% of adolescents using online gambling platforms and 16.3% of those involved in sports betting.
The growing inclusion of gambling-like elements in video games, such as loot boxes, has added another layer of complexity to the issue.
Dr. Orsolya Kiraly of Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest emphasized that although addiction-like symptoms affect only a small percentage of adolescents, the repercussions can be serious, leading to family conflicts, sleep problems, and declining physical health.
Conference experts also discussed the issue of stigma. Simona Pichini from Italy’s National Health Institute pointed out that adults and young people view gambling problems differently, with younger individuals being less likely to recognize the issue or seek help.
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