Help for young people

Young people are not immune to being caught up in the unhealthy cycle of habitual and harmful gambling practises. Young people whose parents have a gambling issue are 10 times more likely to have an issue themselves.

The accessibility to online gambling has seen a rise in the number of youths affected with gambling issues. Gambling opportunities are widespread. What begins as an occasional bet with mates, creeps up to become a regular and daily event. This can have financial, emotional, relationship and even physical implications.

If you are affected, start taking control of your gambling today by talking to a qualified counsellor. Our counsellors specialise in helping people of all ages deal with their gambling issues. You can be assured that in our counselling environment, no one will judge you. Our purpose is to provide support and help you work through the issues that can be leading to your gambling.

Counselling services are offered individually to young people or they can attend with a parent, friend or as a family. It aims to assist the young person by listening to their experiences, helping them to understand gambling issues and further enhancing their skills to withstand stress and trauma.

These services are available to anyone affected by gambling. Whether it is a daily occurrence, or you are concerned that it is becoming a larger issue, don’t wait to seek help. You can take control now.

Help is available and it’s free.

Arrange a face to face meeting with a counsellor on 9575 5353 or via the >Book now button on the left of this page.

Gambler’s Help provide a 24/7 Youthline on 1800 262 376

Further information and resources are available at the Gambler’s Help Young People page.

If you are a parent or sibling concerned with a gambling issue affecting someone in your family visit the Gambler’s Help site for information on how you can tell if there’s an issue.

Assistance for gaming issues on devices

Worldwide research suggests there are demonstrable links between gaming and gambling.  In our society, it’s impossible not to be exposed to gambling as it’s sold through advertising and depicted as a socially interactive, ‘normal’ pastime. Children are inadvertently introduced to gambling prompts and links through electronic devices; the idea of risk and financial gain exists in games targeted at kids as young as 5 years old.  Young people may present with an unhealthy relationship towards gaming. They may be referred to counselling by a concerned party such as a parent, school, doctor, psychologist or they may choose to seek help for themselves.

Social gaming groups for young people – Making gaming a positive experience

An exciting initiative for young people exists between Gambler’s Help Southern and Headspace. They have formed three workshop groups of ten children each, to turn gaming into a positive, guided, educational and interactive experience.

• Three workshop groups operate out of Moorabbin, Frankston and Dandenong.
• 10 children per group between the approx. ages of 10-19 (groups are currently full but please contact us for further information)
• One’ gaming’ psychologist, one Gambler’s Help Southern counsellor and one ‘gaming’ youth worker facilitate every group.
• Education runs in parallel with gaming to raise awareness about the risks of gaming, it’s links with gambling and other issues such as online bullying.
• Games are specific, requiring group participation to enhance communication and social skills.
• Frankston engages children with a talent for gaming, game coding and developing software to enhance their talent into a positive outcome.
• It’s a safe and social environment where kids receive positive reinforcement and active guidance.
• Moorabbin and Dandenong works to develop healthy relationships with technology as well as with the other young members of the group.
• The groups aim to educate and encourage kids to PLAY NOT PAY!

Benefits for parents

Parents are encouraged to stay during the workshop and engage with mental health clinicians to learn new skills on how you play and engage with their kids. It’s hoped they’ll continue to support maintaining a healthy environment and relationship with gaming outside of the workshop environment.

Parents too, are educated on the links between online gaming and associated risks including online bullying and gambling..