Reducing the Risks

GAMBLING: REDUCING THE RISKS

Source:

Saskatchewan Health, CAN

Program Description and Format:

The program provides teachers and students with information regarding gambling, teaches students about the risks associated with gambling, presents strategies that reduce the risks, and supports skill development that allows students to make healthy choices about gambling. Resource materials consist of the following: a program manual for teachers that provides instructional strategies and teaching notes; topic-related activities for group discussion; a videotape with short, open ended clips for discussion after group viewings; and information on accessing helping resources. The program guidebook provides comprehensive information on youth as a high-risk target group, including specific information on:

· Reasons people gamble

· Definitions and descriptions of various types of gambling

· Signs of problem gambling in young people

· Consequences of problem gambling age restrictions for gambling

· Impact of problem gambling on families

Prevention of problem gambling concepts and strategies are presented at each grade level from 6 to 9. Information is progressive, with each of the 7th, through

9th grades' curriculum built upon the lessons of the previous year.

Each grade level has three Foundational and Learning Objectives:

(1) Extend Knowledge Base - Students understand that gambling involves both economic and social risks.

(2) Making Informed Decisions - Students determine and evaluate the risks involved in various gambling activities and explore and identify alternatives to high-risk behavior.

(3) Carry Out an Action Plan - Students participate in actions that reinforce decisions to reduce the risks of gambling.

Each grade explores a focus topic:

Grade 6 "Affirm Standards" - How a youth's family perceives gambling and the family's standards concerning gambling.

Grade 7 "Commit Self" - How youth relate to gambling on a personal level, including spending money on gambling and decision-making regarding current and future involvement in gambling.

Grade 8 "Support Peers" - The effects of gambling on youth and symptoms of problem gambling are identified to support peers in making responsible decisions regarding gambling.

Grade 9 "Promote Health" - Information on the social and economic impact of gambling in the community.

Risk factor(s) assumed to be addressed:

Community laws and norms favorable toward gambling

Accessibility

Early initiation of gambling behavior

Peer influence

Protective factor(s) assumed to be addressed:

Healthy beliefs and clear standards

Skills

Delayed initial onset of gambling

CSAP strategies:

Information dissemination

Education

Type of strategy:

Universal

Populations appropriate for this promising program:

Grades 6 through 9; program designed to supplement middle-level health education curricula.

Research / evaluation of program:

The program was pilot-tested, with a proportionate distribution of rural and urban school locations and male and female students. Gambling: Reducing the Risks was distributed in May of 1999 to over 1,000 Saskatchewan schools. No specific program evaluation results described.

Availability / More information:

Leanne Fischer, Program Consultant.

Saskatchewan Health, 3475 Albert Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada S4S

6X6. Telephone: 306-787-4094.