Jamaica’s Urgent Bid to Protect Youth from Gambling Addiction

In an urgent bid to protect the next generation from the dangers of gambling addiction, guidance counselors across Jamaica are rallying behind a new initiative to introduce a dedicated subject on underage gambling prevention into the national school curriculum. Rise Life Management Services is spearheading the effort in collaboration with the Betting, Gaming, and Lotteries Commission (BGLC).

The Growing Problem of Youth Gambling in Jamaica

The urgency of the situation is underscored by data from the Jamaica Child and Adolescent Gambling Survey 2007, conducted by Hope Enterprise Limited on behalf of Rise Life Management Services. The survey revealed a growing gambling problem among Jamaican youth aged 10 to 19. According to the study, one in five adolescents in this age group is either a problem gambler or at risk of becoming one. The survey also found that some children had spent as much as JMD 13,000 at gaming establishments and JMD 10,000 on horse racing within six months.

A Transformative Impact on Students

Ian Grant, a guidance counselor at St. Andrew Technical High School, has been a vocal advocate for this initiative after participating in a recent underage gambling prevention seminar hosted by Rise Life and sponsored by BGLC. Grant believes that integrating this program into the curriculum could have a transformative impact on students, particularly those most vulnerable.

“It is one of the greatest things we’re doing for them,” Grant said in a BGLC news release. “It’s making a difference, more so in the long run, and certainly for a more holistic approach, the BGLC should be joined by other organizations to treat childhood addiction.”

Mandatory Program for All Schools

Grant emphasized the importance of making this program a permanent part of the educational system. “It is necessary in all schools and should be mandatory for all counselors. It is ongoing. It can’t be a one-off thing, and it’s especially needed at the beginning of a school year,” he added.

Support from Key Stakeholders

Other education professionals are echoing the call for action. Lorrie-Ann Vernal, head of the Guidance Counselling Unit at St. George’s College, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the need for schools to recognize and address childhood gambling.

“Given the school environment and the various aspirations, there are schools in denial just to save face, which does not help,” Vernal said, stressing the importance of facing the problem head-on.

Conclusion

The initiative to introduce a dedicated subject on underage gambling prevention into the national school curriculum is a crucial step towards protecting Jamaica’s youth from the dangers of gambling addiction. By addressing this issue early on, educators and policymakers hope to foster a safer and more informed generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is gambling addiction a growing problem among Jamaican youth?
A: The Jamaica Child and Adolescent Gambling Survey 2007 found that one in five adolescents in the age group of 10-19 is either a problem gambler or at risk of becoming one.

Q: What is being done to address this issue?
A: Rise Life Management Services, in collaboration with the Betting, Gaming, and Lotteries Commission (BGLC), is spearheading an initiative to introduce a dedicated subject on underage gambling prevention into the national school curriculum.

Q: How will this program impact students?
A: The program aims to educate students about the risks associated with gambling and provide them with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions.

Q: Will this program be mandatory for all schools?
A: Yes, the program will be mandatory for all schools, with a focus on preparing future guidance counselors to tackle gambling addiction before they enter the teaching profession.