Gambling activity among teenagers and their parents

Content type
Commissioned report
Published

December 2019

Commissioning Body

Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children

Overview

Young people are often influenced by the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours of family members. Given that regular involvement in gambling during adolescence can lead to a variety of issues, including criminal behaviour and poor school outcomes (Derevensky & Gupta, 2004; Messerlian, Derevensky, & Gupta, 2005), it is important to better understand gambling behaviours at a family level.

This chapter describes levels of gambling involvement and gambling-related problems among 16–17 year olds and their parents, and some of the factors associated with teenage gambling. These insights may help inform a range of policies and practices to address gambling‑related harm for families and young people.

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Key messages

  • One in six 16–17 year olds reported having gambled in the past year.

  • More boys than girls reported having gambled.

  • Although 65% of parents reported having gambled at least once in the past year, around 90% were non-problem gamblers.

  • Boys who had either been the victim or perpetrator of bullying at school were more likely to report having gambled.

  • At age 16–17, around 24% of boys and 15% of girls reported having played gambling-like games in the past 12 months.

  • Teenagers who engaged in risky behaviours such as smoking and drinking, or had friends who smoked or drank alcohol, were more likely to report having gambled.

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