Gambling may be legal in South Africa, but its growing influence on the nation’s youth is becoming a serious concern. With the rise of online sports betting, mobile gaming, and easily accessible gambling platforms, more young people are engaging in betting activities, often without understanding the risks. As a result, youth gambling prevention programs are playing a vital role in educating and protecting the next generation.
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Why Are Youth Gambling Prevention Programs Important?
Youth are particularly vulnerable to the risks of gambling due to factors such as peer pressure, social media influence, and a general lack of awareness about the long-term consequences. Research by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) reveals that more than one in five high school learners have gambled at least once — often using online platforms or participating in informal bets among peers.
Early exposure to gambling can lead to a range of problems, including addiction, poor academic performance, mental health challenges, and even criminal behaviour. This is where Youth Gambling Prevention Programs come in — to educate young people, prevent harmful behaviour before it starts, and support those already affected.
What Are Youth Gambling Prevention Programmes?
Youth gambling prevention programmes are structured initiatives that aim to reduce underage gambling through education, awareness, counselling, and community engagement. These programmes typically focus on:
- Education and Awareness: Teaching learners about the dangers of gambling and how to recognise risky behaviours.
- School-Based Workshops: Delivered in schools to promote responsible decision-making and critical thinking.
- Parental Involvement: Educating parents about signs of gambling addiction and how to support their children.
- Counselling Services: Providing mental health and addiction support for affected youth.
- Digital Literacy Training: Helping learners understand the mechanics of gambling games, deceptive advertising, and how to navigate online risks.
By addressing the root causes of youth gambling and offering long-term solutions, these programmes help foster safer, healthier communities.
Who’s Leading the Way in South Africa?
Several trusted organisations in South Africa are leading the charge with impactful youth gambling prevention programmes:
- South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF): Their national Youth Programme reaches thousands of learners annually through school visits, educational materials, and workshops. Learn more here.
- National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP): Offers free, confidential counselling for those struggling with gambling, including youth and their families. Their evidence-based approach includes a strong focus on prevention.
- Childline South Africa and Lifeline South Africa: These organisations provide emotional support and guidance for youth affected by gambling-related stress, often collaborating with schools and local communities.
What the Research Says
According to a 2023 report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), early intervention is one of the most effective strategies for preventing gambling-related harm. Youth who receive gambling education and mental health support are significantly less likely to develop harmful behaviours as adults. Read the WHO fact sheet here.
In addition, the University of Cape Town’s research shows that the majority of young people who gamble do so without fully understanding the consequences — further highlighting the urgent need for well-designed Youth Gambling Prevention Programs.
What Can Schools and Parents Do?
While prevention programmes are essential, their success depends on community-wide support. Here’s how schools and families can contribute:
- Teachers can incorporate gambling awareness into Life Orientation classes and provide safe spaces for discussion.
- Parents should monitor their children’s digital activity and speak openly about the dangers of gambling.
- Communities can organise safe, engaging activities for youth to promote healthy recreation and reduce exposure to gambling.
Policy Recommendations for a Safer Future
To strengthen the impact of youth gambling prevention programmes, experts recommend:
- Stricter age verification and content moderation on gambling platforms.
- Regulation of gambling advertisements, especially on platforms popular with youth.
- Government investment in youth-focused mental health and gambling awareness campaigns.
- Nationwide evaluation and tracking systems to measure the effectiveness of existing programmes.
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Final Thoughts: Building a Resilient Generation
The threat of youth gambling is real — but it’s also preventable. With the help of targeted Youth Gambling Prevention Programs, communities can educate young people, provide support, and ensure that they are equipped to make informed decisions.
By working together — educators, parents, policymakers, and support organisations — South Africa can safeguard its youth from the dangers of gambling and build a healthier, more resilient future for all.
