NEWS FROM

THE NEW YORK COUNCIL

ON PROBLEM GAMBLING                            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mariangela Milea 518/427-1622                                    November 30, 2005

e-mail: mmilea@nyproblemgambling.org

 

NYCPG ADOLESCENT SYMPOSIUM CONFIRMED FOR DECEMBER 1

Recommendations To Be Developed

 

The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) today announces that it will be hosting an “Adolescent Problem Gambling Symposium”, in Albany on December 1, to address the escalating issue of adolescent gambling in New York state. The symposium – which focuses on establishing educational, policy and research priorities to address adolescent problem gambling – will be comprised of invited parents, educators, community leaders and clinicians.

 

Internationally renowned speaker, Dr. Jeffrey Derevensky, Co-Director of the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High Risk Behaviours, McGill University will provide a presentation on the prevention of adolescent gambling. Frances Harding, Associate Commissioner, Division of Prevention and Treatment Services, New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services will also be speaking.

 

The symposium will break out into groups and discuss the following topics:

 

  1. Please identify the current adolescent gambling issues and problems that you are aware of (e.g., populations affected, service needs, information needs, lack of awareness).

 

  1. What role do you believe the media plays in the current adolescent gambling trend and what role should they play in raising the awareness of adolescent gambling?

 

  1. Is there a need for problem gambling education in our schools, and if so how should it be implemented?

 

  1. Is there enough research currently available to properly address the issue of adolescent gambling and if not what should be done?

 

  1. What safeguards can be put into place to protect our children.

 

Their findings will be discussed and recommendations will be developed.

 

“One-in-five (21%) of teenagers, overall, say they have friends who spend too much time gambling and placing bets, this rate doubles (40%) among 18-year-olds,”  said James Maney NYCPG Executive Director.

“The release of the Council’s recent Zogby Poll statistics confirms our concerns that many adolescents are gambling, that parents are frequently not aware of it, and that very little education on adolescent problem gambling warning signs is being provided,” said Maney.

 

“Gambling is not a harmless activity. It is a pastime that can develop into a ruinous problem that can affect anybody.  We need increased efforts to prevent problem gambling in New York, and starting with teens is an essential part of these prevention efforts,” concluded Maney.  

 

Anyone interested in obtaining information regarding these results or the Symposium, please contact the Council at: 518/427-1622 or e-mail at: council@nyproblemgambling.org.

 

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