Technology has opened the door to an exciting new world of learning for today’s youth. Students now have access to information and tools that can help them make smarter choices, build stronger skills, and create a healthier future. But with these opportunities come challenges, especially as young people are often targeted by media messages, including those that glamorize gambling. By promoting media literacy, encouraging empowerment, and supporting our youth, we can help them thrive in and out of the classroom.
What is Media Literacy?
Media literacy is the ability to analyze, understand, and evaluate media messages. In simple terms, it’s learning how to “read between the lines” when we see an ad, a social media post, or even a video game promotion.
Why is this important? Because not everything online is what it seems. For example, gambling ads often present gambling as fun, exciting, and profitable. They rarely show the risks or the negative consequences. Without media literacy, it’s easy for young people to believe these messages and think gambling is a safe way to make money.
By teaching students to ask questions like “Why was this ad made?” or “What are they trying to get me to do?”, we help them become critical thinkers who can separate fact from persuasion. This skill doesn’t just protect them from gambling, it helps them make better decisions in every part of life.
How Empowerment Protects Our Youth
When young people understand how media works, they gain power over the messages that try to influence them. This empowerment helps them resist harmful behaviors and focus on positive activities instead.
For example, instead of being drawn to gambling, students can choose healthy outlets such as sports, creative hobbies, or supportive friendships. Knowing that 77% of youth are not gambling can also be empowering. It shows students that most of their peers are making safe choices.
Empowerment is also about building confidence. When young people know the risks of gambling and the tricks behind the ads, they feel more capable of saying “no” to unhealthy options and “yes” to better ones. That confidence can ripple out, encouraging their friends to make good decisions too.
How Can Parents Support Youth?
Parents play a huge role in helping their kids grow into smart, resilient adults. Here are a few simple ways to support youth in the digital age:
- Start conversations. Ask your child what they see online. Encourage them to share their thoughts about ads, influencers, or games. You don’t need all the answers. Just being open to talking makes a difference.
- Promote healthy activities. Encourage sports, clubs, and hobbies that give kids a sense of excitement and achievement without harmful risks.
- Model media literacy. Share your own thoughts when you see ads or media. For example, you might say, “That commercial makes it seem like gambling is easy money, but let’s think about why they want us to believe that.”
- Stay informed. Learn about youth risks, including gambling, just as you would with drugs or alcohol. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to guide your child.
Building a Brighter Future Together
Youth today are surrounded by technology, media, and constant messaging. But, with the right tools, they can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth. By empowering our students and guiding them with care, we help them build resilience, confidence, and the skills they need for a safe and successful future.
Help and Support
If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.