San Isidro, Buenos Aires, launches prevention campaign targeting childhood gambling

Under the motto ‘Play it safe,’ the campaign seeks to raise awareness about this ongoing issue.

The San Isidro district, in Buenos Aires, has launched a campaign aimed at raising prevention and awareness against childhood gambling addiction under the motto “Play it safe.”

The municipality has been working for months to combat gambling addiction through training and awareness-raising events, a presence in public spaces, and digital materials aimed at raising awareness and providing tools to address the issue.

According to Ramón Lanús, the district mayor, the campaign was launched based on a study made by the consulting firm Opina Argentina, which stated that 16% of young people in the country admitted to participating in online betting. The research also noted that children and teenagers develop gambling addictions at the age of 12 or 13. 

He also added that, according to a UNICEF Argentina report from late 2024, eight out of ten teenagers have either accessed or know someone who has accessed online casinos. 

Mercedes Sanguineti, Secretary of Education, Culture, and Labor of San Isidro, said: “We are working very hard on this issue that is happening behind adults’ backs. We must protect our children and teenagers, stay informed, pay close attention to the early warning signs, and open ourselves to dialogue, being fully aware that cell phones today are potential online casinos.”

Good to know: The city of Mar del Plata has also been taking steps to combat childhood gambling addiction by restricting access to betting sites on public school Wi-Fi networks

As part of the measures implemented to combat gambling addiction, training and awareness-raising sessions are being held, including municipal employees who work directly or indirectly with children and teenagers.

At the same time, the campaign includes a presence in public spaces, workshops, spaces for experience-sharing and reflection, all led by experts and aimed at both teachers and students, inside and outside the classroom.

Romina Sandoval, Deputy Secretary of Education for San Isidro, said: “We’re working with teachers and students because this issue directly affects school performance and family relationships. We believe it’s essential to keep this topic on the public agenda, as it challenges the entire community.”

Carlos Mendez

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