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Pitt H, McCarthy S, Randle M, Arnot G, Daube M, Thomas S. "It's changing our lives, not for the better. It's important that we have a say". The role of young people in informing public health and policy decisions about gambling marketing. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2004. [PMID: 39060997 PMCID: PMC11282717 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19331-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Marketing has a significant impact on the normalisation of gambling for youth across the globe. This has included shaping positive attitudes towards gambling, as well as increasing the social and cultural acceptance of gambling - particularly aligned with valued activities such as sport. Because of this, public health experts argue that gambling marketing poses a significant risk to the health and wellbeing of youth. While young people are increasingly exposed to, and impacted by marketing for gambling products, they are rarely consulted about policy issues and options. This study aimed to explore young Australians' perceptions of current policy responses to gambling advertising, whether they thought young people should be involved in discussions and decisions about gambling marketing regulations, and their perceptions of the duty of governments to protect young people from gambling industry marketing strategies. METHODS Qualitative focus groups (n = 22) were held with n = 64, 12-17 year olds in the Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales. Participants were asked to reflect on current gambling policies, particularly relating to marketing, what they thought should be done about gambling marketing, and if and how young people should be included in public health responses to gambling. An interpretivist 'Big Q' approach to reflexive thematic analysis was used. RESULTS Young people highlighted the need for more effective regulations around the content and frequency of gambling marketing. They also wanted to see more realistic representations of the negative impacts of gambling to counter persistent positive commercial marketing messages. Most thought that young people should be given an opportunity to have a say about responses to gambling due to their unique experiences. Participants identified mechanisms to increase young people's engagement in decision making, such as direct lines of communication to different levels of government, involvement in research, and diversifying ways of engagement. Specific recommendations included more regulatory action such as bans on gambling advertising. CONCLUSIONS Creating formal structures that facilitate the inclusion of young people's perspectives in decisions made about gambling can result in more innovative and effective strategies to prevent the harms from gambling industry products, promotions, and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
| | - Simone McCarthy
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Melanie Randle
- Faculty of Business and Law, School of Business, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Grace Arnot
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Samantha Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Arnot G, Thomas S, Pitt H, McCarthy S, Warner E. "Older people will die of old age. I'll die of climate change": engaging children and young people in climate decision making for public health. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1869. [PMID: 38997688 PMCID: PMC11245781 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19406-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The climate crisis is a significant risk to the health and wellbeing of children, young people, and future generations. While there are calls for children and young people's engagement in climate decision making, current power structures limit their participation. This paper aimed to understand children's perspectives about the impact of the climate crisis on their futures, their ability to influence climate decisions, and strategies and mechanisms to facilitate their greater engagement in decisions made about the climate crisis. METHODS Online in-depth interviews were conducted with n = 28 children (aged 12-16 years) across Australia. Photo elicitation techniques were used to prompt discussion about how the climate crisis impacted their futures, their ability to influence climate decisions, and strategies and mechanisms to engage them in climate decision making. A reflexive approach to thematic analysis was used to construct three themes from data. Images were analysed for ascribed meanings. RESULTS First, participants stated that they and future generations will inherit the climate crisis from older generations, specifically decision makers. Second, they described a need to address a range of age-related barriers that limit children and young people's engagement in climate decision making, including perceptions about their capabilities. Finally, they discussed strategies and mechanisms to embed children and young people's perspectives within climate decision making, including at civic and political levels. CONCLUSIONS Children and young people have the right to be involved in decisions made about the climate crisis which significantly impact their futures, including their health and wellbeing. They argue for structural changes to embed their views in climate decision making, and describe a range of engagement strategies and mechanisms to structure their perspectives and knowledge with decision making processes. Furthermore, genuine involvement of children and young people in climate discussions must avoid youthwashing and tokenistic participation. The public health community can help address barriers to youth participation in climate action and should actively engage and collaborate with children and young people to facilitate their political and democratic influence over the climate crisis. This involves making room and creating an accessible seat at the decision making table to ensure their perspectives are embedded in climate decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Arnot
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
| | - Samantha Thomas
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Simone McCarthy
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Elyse Warner
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
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Arnot G, Pitt H, McCarthy S, Warner E, Thomas S. 'You can't really separate these risks, our environment, our animals and us': Australian children's perceptions of the risks of the climate crisis. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daae023. [PMID: 38452241 PMCID: PMC10919885 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Perceptions of the risks associated with the climate crisis are shaped by a range of social and political contexts and information sources. While some have expressed concerns about the impact of the spread of climate misinformation through social media platforms on young people, others have shown that the youth climate movement has played a key role in countering misinformation. Despite this, there has been very limited research with children about how they conceptualize the risks associated with the climate crisis, how they receive climate information, and how they understand and apply this to their own and others' lives. The following qualitative study used photo-elicitation techniques and in-depth interviews with Australian children to address this gap. A total of n = 28 children (12-16 years) participated, with four themes constructed from the data using a reflexive approach to thematic analysis. Children were concerned about how the climate crisis would continue to harm their futures and the health of planet and people. They recognized that some groups and countries would experience more risks associated with the climate crisis as compared to others. While they received information from a range of different sources (school, family, social media), they mostly used social media to seek out climate information. They recognized that social media sites could be a source of climate misinformation, and argued that a range of strategies were needed to identify and counter false information about the climate crisis. Children's perspectives must be harnessed to improve information about climate risks and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Arnot
- Faculty of Health, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Hannah Pitt
- Faculty of Health, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Simone McCarthy
- Faculty of Health, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Elyse Warner
- Faculty of Health, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Samantha Thomas
- Faculty of Health, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
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Pitt H, McCarthy S, Randle M, Daube M, Thomas SL. Young people's views about the use of celebrities and social media influencers in gambling marketing. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daae012. [PMID: 38341758 PMCID: PMC10859070 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Young people's exposure to gambling marketing has had a clear impact on their gambling attitudes, risk perceptions and consumption intentions. Celebrities and social media influencers (SMIs) are increasingly used by the gambling industry in a wide range of promotions. While there is evidence that these types of promotions are influential in shaping young people's attitudes towards other harmful products, there is limited evidence in relation to gambling. Qualitative focus groups (n = 22) with n = 64, 12-17 year olds were conducted in Australia. These investigated young people's exposure to celebrity and SMI marketing for gambling and the influence they perceived this marketing had on young people's gambling attitudes. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to construct four themes from the data. First, young people perceived that celebrities and SMIs created additional appeal and recall of gambling advertisements because they were attention grabbing and familiar. Second, young people thought that celebrities and SMIs increased the trust, legitimacy and social acceptance of gambling. Third, the use of celebrities and SMIs lowered the perceptions of risk associated with gambling. Lastly, there were suggestions to reduce the impact of celebrity and SMI gambling promotions on young people, such as bans and restrictions. This study highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to preventing young people's exposure to gambling marketing, that not only considers imposing stronger regulations to restrict the way the gambling industry is allowed to promote its products, but also aims to counter the novel ways the gambling industry attempts to appeal to children and young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Locked bag 20000, Geelong, Vic 3220, Australia
| | - Simone McCarthy
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Locked bag 20000, Geelong, Vic 3220, Australia
| | - Melanie Randle
- Faculty of Business and Law, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Samantha L Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Locked bag 20000, Geelong, Vic 3220, Australia
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Pitt H, McCarthy S, Arnot G. Children, young people and the Commercial Determinants of Health. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daad185. [PMID: 38294037 PMCID: PMC10828929 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The commercial determinants of health (CDoH) have a significant impact on the health and well-being of children and young people (subsequently referred to as young people). While most research has focused on the influence of harmful industry marketing on young people, more recent CDoH frameworks have emphasized that a range of commercial systems and practices may influence health and well-being. Focusing on the impact of traditional and digital media, contemporary marketing strategies and corporate production and consumption processes, the following article outlines the impact of the CDoH on the health and wellbeing of young people. The article also provides evidence about how young people conceptualize the impact of corporate actors on health, and their involvement in advocacy strategies to respond. The article recommends that when collaborating with young people to understand the impacts of and responses to the CDoH, we should seek to diversify investigations towards the impact of a range of corporate tactics, systems and structures, rather than simply focusing on the impacts of advertising. This should include considering areas and priorities that young people identify as areas for action and understanding why some young people are more vulnerable to commercial tactics than others. Youth are powerful allies in responding to the CDoH. Public health and health promotion stakeholders could do more to champion the voices of young people and allow them to be active participants in the decisions that are made about harmful commercial practices and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Simone McCarthy
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Grace Arnot
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
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Marionneau V, Ruohio H, Karlsson N. Gambling harm prevention and harm reduction in online environments: a call for action. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:92. [PMID: 37481649 PMCID: PMC10362766 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00828-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling is increasingly offered and consumed in online and mobile environments. The digitalisation of the gambling industry poses new challenges on harm prevention and harm reduction. The digital environment differs from traditional, land-based gambling environments. It increases many risk-factors in gambling, including availability, ease-of-access, but also game characteristics such as speed and intensity. Furthermore, data collected on those gambling in digital environments makes gambling offer increasingly personalised and targeted. MAIN RESULTS This paper discusses how harm prevention and harm reduction efforts need to address gambling in online environments. We review existing literature on universal, selective, and indicated harm reduction and harm prevention efforts for online gambling and discuss ways forward. The discussion shows that there are several avenues forward for online gambling harm prevention and reduction at each of the universal, selective, and indicated levels. No measure is likely to be sufficient on its own and multi-modal as well as multi-level interventions are needed. Harm prevention and harm reduction measures online also differ from traditional land-based efforts. Online gambling providers utilise a variety of strategies to enable, market, and personalise their products using data and the wider online ecosystem. CONCLUSION We argue that these same tools and channels should also be used for preventive work to better prevent and reduce the public health harms caused by online gambling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virve Marionneau
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Centre for Research on Addiction, Control, and Governance, University of Helsinki, Unioninkatu 33, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Heidi Ruohio
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nina Karlsson
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Mannerheimintie 166, 00271, Helsinki, Finland
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Metcalf O, Roebuck G, Lawrence-Wood E, Sadler N, Baur J, Van Hooff M, Forbes D, O'Donnell M, Hodson S, Benassi H, Varker T, Battersby M, McFarlane AC, Cowlishaw S. Gambling problems predict suicidality in recently transitioned military veterans. Aust N Z J Public Health 2023:100038. [PMID: 37055278 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated associations between gambling problems and suicidality in Australian veterans. METHODS Data drawn from n = 3,511 Australian Defence Force veterans who had recently transitioned to civilian life. Gambling problems were assessed using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and suicidal ideation and behaviour were assessed using items adapted from the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. RESULTS At-risk gambling and problem gambling were associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation [at-risk gambling: odds ratio (OR), 1.93; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.47‒2.53; problem gambling: OR, 2.75; 95% CI 1.86‒4.06] and suicide planning or attempts (at-risk gambling: OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.39‒3.06; problem gambling: OR 4.22, 95% CI, 2.61‒6.81). The association with total scores on the PGSI and any suicidality was substantially reduced and became non-significant when controlling for the effects of depressive symptoms, but not financial hardship or social support. CONCLUSIONS Gambling problems and harms are important risk factors for suicide in veterans, and should be recognised in veteran-specific suicide prevention policies and programs, along with co-occurring mental health problems. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH A comprehensive public health approach to reducing gambling harm should feature in suicide prevention efforts in veteran and military populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Metcalf
- Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne.
| | - Greg Roebuck
- Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne; The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), School of Medicine, Deakin University, and Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ellie Lawrence-Wood
- Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne
| | - Nicole Sadler
- Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne
| | - Jenelle Baur
- Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne
| | - Miranda Van Hooff
- Military and Emergency Services Health Australia, The Hospital Research Foundation, Adelaide
| | - David Forbes
- Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne
| | - Meaghan O'Donnell
- Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne
| | - Stephanie Hodson
- Open Arms - Veteran & Families Counselling, Department of Veterans' Affairs, Canberra
| | - Helen Benassi
- Joint Health Command, Joint Capabilities Group, Australian Department of Defence
| | - Tracey Varker
- Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne
| | - Malcolm Battersby
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide
| | - Alexander C McFarlane
- Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne
| | - Sean Cowlishaw
- Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne; Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
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Thomas S, van Schalkwyk MCI, Daube M, Pitt H, McGee D, McKee M. Protecting children and young people from contemporary marketing for gambling. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:7080461. [PMID: 36932993 PMCID: PMC10024482 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Around the world, children are being exposed to intensive marketing for gambling products. This normalizes perceptions that gambling is essentially a harmless form of entertainment, despite mounting evidence of the harms it causes. Young people and their parents are supportive of strategies to protect children from being exposed to gambling marketing. Yet existing regulatory efforts are inconsistent and inadequate, and have not protected children from exposure to the many forms of marketing now being developed and exploited by the gambling industry. We outline existing knowledge about strategies used by the gambling industry to market its products, with a specific focus on the potential impact of gambling marketing on young people. We provide a definition of gambling marketing and outline the different forms of promotion that are currently used to market gambling, current regulatory responses, and the impact of marketing on children and young people. We then argue that a comprehensive public health approach to gambling is urgently required, which must include effective action to limit the influence of marketing for gambling products, while recognizing that it is never possible to insulate children entirely from their reach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - May C I van Schalkwyk
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | | | - Martin McKee
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Marko S, Thomas S, Pitt H, Daube M. "Aussies love a bet": Gamblers discuss the social acceptance and cultural accommodation of gambling in Australia. Aust N Z J Public Health 2022; 46:829-834. [PMID: 36190196 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore regular gamblers' perceptions of the social acceptance and cultural accommodation of gambling in Australia, which are two dimensions of the normalisation of gambling. METHODS Qualitatively focused online survey with 363 adults in New South Wales and Victoria who gambled in a typical month. Open-text responses about the link between gambling and Australian culture were interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis to construct themes from the data. RESULTS Gambling was perceived to be a culturally significant part of Australian life due to existing traditions, the perception that gambling was central to the Australian identity, and perceived economic benefits. Participants considered that gambling was a common and socially accepted activity that was embedded in the activities of social networks. Participants also stated that gambling products, venues and marketing were embedded in everyday environments, although some believed that the embedding of gambling in society was harmful. Conclusion and public health implications: This study demonstrated that regular gamblers largely viewed gambling as being a socially accepted and culturally accommodated activity in Australia. There is scope for governments to develop comprehensive programs to denormalise gambling, including learning from research, evidence and experience in other areas of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Marko
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria
| | - Samantha Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria
| | - Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia
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Nyemcsok C, Pitt H, Kremer P, Thomas SL. "Drugs and alcohol get talked about, why not betting?" Young men's qualitative insights about strategies to prevent gambling harm. Health Promot J Austr 2022; 34:276-283. [PMID: 35833313 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUES ADDRESSED Research is needed to understand young people's perspectives about public health promotion strategies relevant for their health and wellbeing. This study provides suggestions from young male gamblers about sports betting harm prevention and reduction strategies. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with sixteen young men aged 18 to 24 years, from Melbourne, Victoria, who regularly engaged in sports betting. A critical qualitative inquiry approach, using methods of constructivist grounded theory guided the study. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret and construct themes from the data. RESULTS Participants indicated three main harm prevention strategies. These were: online consumer protection and regulatory strategies; public education campaigns that highlighted sports betting risks and harms; and the creation of formal and informal support networks to reduce stigma and encourage help seeking. They also supported being engaged in the development of harm prevention strategies and suggested ways to help reduce barriers to engagement. CONCLUSION Young men recognise the need for regulatory, education, and engagement responses to counter the risks posed by new gambling products. Young men may be difficult to engage in formal prevention activities, however youth-led and informal interactive mechanisms may help to overcome this barrier, and contribute to a comprehensive public health approach to gambling harm prevention. SO WHAT?: Young men can draw upon their lived experiences of gambling to provide insights relevant for public health promotion. Mechanisms should be developed to engage young people in the co-production of strategies and policies aimed at gambling harm prevention and reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Nyemcsok
- Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Peter Kremer
- Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise & Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Samantha L Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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