THE Gambling Harm Program at the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre, in partnership with GambleAware Mid and Northern NSW, has set a new date for its free parenting workshop.
“With the recent wet weather and regional flooding, we couldn’t hold the workshop as planned,” program coordinator Leigh Watson said.
“But we decided it was too important a topic to let it go.”
The new date is Wednesday 18 June from 10am to 12pm at the Coffs Harbour Neighbourhood Centre.
Community groups are sounding the alarm on a troubling rise in gambling among children and teens in the Coffs Harbour region.
“We’re hearing from teachers and community workers who are seeing gambling behaviours in children as young as 10,” Ms Watson said.
“Some kids are even gambling during school hours — in class, or in the playground.
“The aim of the workshop is to help parents and carers understand the risks of gambling in young people and how to tackle it at home.”
The problem is not just anecdotal.
A NSW Youth Gambling study from 2020 found nearly 30 percent of NSW children aged 12 to 17 had gambled in the past year — with nearly four per cent showing signs of gambling harm risks.
“Video games now include gambling-like features such as loot boxes and in-game betting; and kids are constantly bombarded with gambling ads.
“It’s absolutely everywhere, from sporting events to social media.”
Another key concern is adult influence.
“Kids learn by watching. If parents gamble, or even just talk about it as harmless fun, it normalises the behaviour.
“Given how high adult gambling rates are in our region, it’s no surprise we’re seeing it mirrored in young people.”
Recent figures from Liquor and Gaming NSW revealed that clubs and hotels on the Mid North Coast pocketed a staggering $76.1 million in poker machine profits in just three months, with $19.1 million coming from Coffs Harbour alone.
“To combat this increase in gambling behaviours amongst young people, we’re urging local parents to attend this free workshop. We’re pleased that staff from GambleAware Mid and Northern NSW were able to reschedule.
“The workshop will show parents how to spot the warning signs, how to talk to their kids about gambling, and where to turn for help.”
To book, call 6648 3663 or email leigh.watson@chnc.com.au.
