The extra free time and lack of structure that summer brings for teens can lead to boredom and often risky behaviors, and adding to these concerns for parents and caregivers is the additional screen time, which can be linked to an increase in gambling behavior.
“Summer break is a crucial time for parents to talk to their teens about online gambling and watch for signs of addictive behavior,” said Susan Sheridan Tucker, executive director of MNAPG
To help curb teen gambling, MNAPG offers free resources and subscriptions to Gamban, an app that can be requested free of charge at www.mnapg.org/gambling-addiction/problem-gambler-resources .
Gamban can be applied to a variety of smartphones and other devices to block online gambling sites and apps, as well as track the number of days spent gambling-free, as well as time and money saved.
MNAPG is a nonprofit, gambling-neutral organization dedicated to improving the lives of Minnesotans affected by problem gambling.
