The latest National Child Health Poll from The Royal Children’s Hospital investigated the level of concern that Australian parents have about gambling for their teens as well as the rates at which they are discussing this topic at home.

Key findings include:

• More than one third of parents (39%) are concerned about gambling for one or more of their teenage children.

• Almost half of parents (45%) have never discussed gambling with their teen.

• One in four parents (25%) find it difficult to discuss gambling with their teen.

• Twice as many male parents (34%) as female parents (18%) find it difficult to talk about gambling with their teen.

• Among parents concerned about online gaming, two in three are also concerned about their child gambling.

The Royal Children’s Hospital Kids Health Info fact sheet on gambling has information to help parents to understand the impact of gambling and gambling-like activities on teens and young people. The fact sheet also explores how parents can navigate conversations with their children on this topic.

Talking with your child about gambling is the best way to teach them about the risks. It is important to have an open discussion free from judgement. Lecturing your child may build resentment and push them into riskier behaviours. The goal is to make them feel supported – whether they have gambled before or not.

Key points to remember

• Gambling is the act of risking money or valuable items to win a prize based on an unknown result.
• The chance of winning more often than losing is low.
• The legal age for public gambling is 18 years in Australia.
• Teens and young people may gamble in video games without realising – such as buying tokens or loot boxes
• Gambling in childhood raises the risk of gambling problems in adulthood.
• Talk with your child about gambling in a supportive way and avoid lecturing them.

Seek help from a doctor or gambling helpline if you are worried your child has a gambling problem.