The Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE has been working for many years on the prevention of gambling and betting, implementing various activities aimed at addressing this issue. At the panel discussion titled Prevention of Children’s and Youth’s Participation in Gambling, held on May 7th, 2024, in Tuzla, participants discussed the social context surrounding gambling, legal regulations, and the accessibility and availability of betting shops to children and youth.
The panelists were experts in the fields of education, psychology, and addiction prevention: Prof. Dr. Meliha Bijedić, Full Professor at the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation at the University of Tuzla; Dr. Samra Mahmutović, Acting Head of the Institute for Psychological and Social Protection, University Clinical Center Tuzla; Amir Hasanović, MA in Addiction and Violence Prevention, Executive Director of the Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE; and MSc. Sanela Pekić, Expert Associate for School Prevention Programs, Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE, Sarajevo.
The goal of the panel discussion was to provide basic information to practitioners on how to deal with individuals who show signs of this risky behavior or have already developed a problem.
One of the panelists, Samra Mahmutović, emphasized that, unfortunately, parents are insufficiently aware of the consequences and diseases associated with gambling addiction and do not show significant interest in participating in preventive activities: We must work on further raising awareness and educating parents. To reduce the harmful impact on young people, we as parents must be committed to openly discussing all problems with our children. Our first step should be to refrain from buying lottery tickets and scratch cards, or placing bets for fun or entertainment. We are obligated to limit their access to certain online content. Teaching staff have recognized the seriousness of the problem and are willing to deepen their existing knowledge and actively participate in preventive activities, but they emphasize the need for family support as a protective factor. They believe that preventive programs can contribute to reducing this problem in schools and the broader community.
Mahmutović also pointed out that individuals with gambling problems are often prone to lying and manipulation, and seeking help and support should not be a source of shame for the family but the first step toward solving the problem and empowering the family.
Gambling and betting affect not only the life of the gambler but also the family and society as a whole. The consequences of gambling are evident in the workplace, at school, in fulfilling daily responsibilities, and ultimately can lead to serious financial and health problems, including suicide.
Gambling and betting are not easy ways to make money or harmless ways to spend free time, and it is important to continuously talk about this issue. NARKO-NE will continue to address this problem in a structured way to reduce the long-term involvement of children and youth in gambling.
Azra Halilović
