Gambling and Indian high school students: how widespread is gambling and what impact does it have on adolescents?
There is a common misconception that gambling is an adult problem. However, recent studies have shown that many high school students also face this addiction despite prohibitions. With its young population, India is not left out of this problem. In light of the lack of research on this topic in this country, especially in Kerala, the study aims to shed light on the prevalence of gambling among high school students and identify the psychosocial influences on the younger generation.
How the study was conducted and what data was obtained?
During the study, researchers looked at a significant number of high school students between the ages of 15 and 19 living in the Indian state of Kerala who participated in gambling. Data from 5,043 students from 73 schools were studied, and their responses to questionnaires regarding gambling, substance use, psychological distress, suicidal tendencies and ADHD symptoms were analyzed.
The results of the study showed that 27.9% of high school students had ever participated in gambling, and 7.1% of them were found to be problem gamblers. Noticeably, among those who had gambled, 25.2% were problem gamblers. It appeared that the most popular form of gambling was betting on sports (mainly cricket and soccer), followed by a lottery.
Gambling and Indian high school students: how widespread is gambling and what impact does it have on adolescents?
Students with problem gambling behavior, most of whom were male, often experienced academic failure, had more experience with alcohol and tobacco use, suffered psychological distress, had suicidal tendencies, and were more likely to experience sexual violence. Moreover, higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms were found.
The findings of the analysis suggest that the problem of gambling among adolescents in India needs serious attention, as it was found that one in four students who had ever spun virtual roulette or placed bets fell into the category of ‘problem gamblers.’ One of the reasons is the availability of gambling games that can be played right from home. Today, it is enough to go to the site twinspinCA, choose a casino with no deposit bonuses and other promotions, and start playing directly from your computer or phone.
It is also associated with several other psychosocial problems and variables that require intervention and qualified support from loved ones and specialized professionals.
How urgent is the problem among students?
While experts in India are thinking about whether it is possible to increase the percentage of students in the future, the problem of gambling is also becoming relevant among college students in the country. Statistics show that the growing popularity of gambling in almost half of the cases is due to the desire of teenagers to fit into society. In simple words – students gamble under the influence of their peers.
