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Hidden Holiday Hazards: Understanding the Risks of Gifts for Kids

With the holiday season approaching, families are busy shopping for presents. However, Ohio for Responsible Gambling and Change The Game Ohio are sounding the alarm about the hidden risks associated with certain gifts for children. Their recently released Youth Gambling Prevention Gift Guide sheds light on how some seemingly innocent gifts could expose young ones to gambling-like behaviors early on.

Experts, including behavioral health specialists and youth advocates, emphasize the need for parents to scrutinize the gifts they purchase, especially as children are spending more than 7½ hours a day on screens, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. With this excessive screen time, the risk of introducing children to gambling-like features through popular gaming apps and digital products is increasing.

Derek Longmeier, the executive director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, points out that many parents might not realize the potential hazards of gifts such as video game gift cards, scratch-off lottery tickets, and popular gaming apps. "While they might seem like convenient choices for busy shoppers, we need to be aware of the unintended consequences these gifts could bring," he states.

The Hidden Risks in Popular Games

Many children’s games, such as Roblox and Fortnite, incorporate mechanics like loot boxes and microtransactions, which are designed to provoke the same excitement that one might feel from casino gambling. This is particularly concerning given that a PBS NewsHour report highlighted that over 100 million Americans engage with apps that feature these elements. The thrill experienced from these game features can activate brain responses akin to those witnessed in adult gambling, but children lack the maturity to comprehend or manage these risks effectively.

As Longmeier expresses, "We would likely raise an eyebrow if adults spent seven hours a week gambling in a casino, but that’s essentially what’s happening to thousands of children in Ohio, who are simply not equipped to navigate those experiences."

The Importance of Early Intervention

Research indicates that exposure to gambling before the age of 12 substantially increases the likelihood of developing gambling-related problems later in life, with children being four times more likely to encounter issues if they have had early exposure. The National Institutes of Health links early gambling behavior to a range of negative outcomes, including higher instances of depression, anxiety, mood swings, underage drinking, drug use, truancy, and bullying behaviors.

In response to these alarming trends, Change The Game Ohio provides resources aimed at helping parents, caregivers, and educators recognize risky gaming features and have constructive conversations about the safe use of screens. The Youth Gambling Prevention Gift Guide recommends safer gift options that promote healthy development without exposing kids to gambling behaviors.

Safer Alternatives to Consider

Some alternatives suggested in the guide include:

• - Games with Upfront Costs: Choosing games that require an initial purchase rather than those that operate on a 'freemium' model, which often leads to additional unplanned expenses.
• - Subscription Services: Opting for subscription-based gaming services like Game Pass, which can offer extensive game libraries without microtransaction pressures.
• - Physical Strategy Board Games: Promoting critical thinking and interpersonal connections through traditional board games can effectively balance screen time with face-to-face interactions.

For those who suspect that they or someone they know may be struggling with gambling-related issues, Ohio's Problem Gambling Helpline offers free, confidential support available 24/7 at 1-800-589-9966. Additionally, individuals can text HOME to 741741 for immediate assistance.

Conclusion

As families navigate the tricky gift-giving landscape this holiday season, it is crucial to remain informed about the potential risks associated with certain products. The Youth Gambling Prevention Gift Guide can serve as a valuable tool, enabling adults to make better-informed choices that protect children’s wellbeing and promote healthy development.

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About Ohio for Responsible Gambling

Ohio for Responsible Gambling was established by the State of Ohio to help communities mitigate gambling-related harms and boost awareness regarding prevention and treatment resources. Their Pause Before You Play initiative offers educational resources to foster responsible gambling practices. Learn more at www.pausebeforeyouplay.org.

About the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating support networks for individuals affected by gambling through advocacy and collaboration. It works with various state entities to ensure a coherent system aimed at reducing gambling-related harm while supporting those in need.