Tagged With "Gambling and Media Literacy"
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Blog: A Health Communication Campaign to Address Gambling Among College Students
A new blog released on Learn.ProblemGambling.ca discusses a research study on the use of health communication posters to raise awareness about gambling among college students. The piece was written by Aaron Diehr, PhD, CHES, Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Southern Illinois University and Marilyn Rule, MSW, Problem Gambling Program Director at Zepf Center in Toledo, Ohio. Read the blog here . Read the research article published in the...
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Sports Bettors: Who Are They?
Admittedly, I've never considered what skills (if any) exist to successfully bid on both professional and amateur sporting events. What are the distinctions between chance and skill when betting on the outcome of, say, a hockey game? A new systematic review in the Journal of Gambling Issues attempts to address this question, and others, in order to better understand the profile of a sports bettor. It's an interesting read, and one that opens discussions on an important field of research.
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Research on Parent-Child "Technoference"
A recent research article published in the journal Pediatric Research looks at the effects of "technoference" (defined as digital/mobile technology use that interrupts interpersonal relationships) in a parent-child relationship. Here are some interesting findings from the study that looked at technoference in 183 couples & their children over a 6-month period: 55.5% of mothers and 43.0% of fathers reported having two or more technology devices that interrupt activities with their child...
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Resilience and Coping Strategies for Social Media Addiction
I came across an interesting Masters Thesis from Eastern Illinois University on resilience and coping with respect to social media addiction. Although I did not read this in its entirety, the discussion section is worth reviewing. The author highlights the correlation between social media addiction and avoidant coping skills. Furthermore, depression proved to be the greatest predictor of social media addiction. Take a look at the thesis here.
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Gambling, Gaming, and Technology Use Knowledge Exchange
An interesting look at writer, Ian Bogost's thoughts on Gaming Disorder. Clearly, he has not had first hand experience with a gaming addict when he argues that "games don't provoke physical reactions like tolerance and withdrawal the way narcotics do." I would suggest that he spend time in a room with a child who has visible tremors, brain exhaustion, and erratic and sometimes violent reactive behavior when withdrawing from gaming. What are your thoughts on his idea that a "Behavioral...
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ADHD study links teens' symptoms with digital media use
CNN just posted on a study linking ADHD with digital media use - a risk factor we identify in our own evidence-based resources . After analyzing the self-reported symptoms and digital media survey responses, the researchers found that each additional high-frequency engagement in a digital media activity was associated with higher odds of having ADHD symptoms at each follow-up point. However, the study, which was published in the medical journal JAMA , sheds light on how more research is...
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Can researchers tell how general populations feel by monitoring twitter?
A Wired.com article explored some research that British researchers did over a 4 year period on 800 million tweets to analyze mood/content of tweet and time of tweet. As the title states, they found patterns of being analytical in the morning and angsty at night. Could this have clinical implications? Will a harm reduction approach to social media be to go on in the morning but not later as the day progresses? If clients are struggling with their mood and tend to feel worse after viewing...
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Adolescent Problem Gambling
Our newly released evidence-informed practice web page on adolescent problem gambling discusses the key concepts, latest research and clinical best practices for clients with gambling problems between the ages of 12 to 24 years of age. It also includes handouts tailored for your clients that you can use in your practice. In your experience, what are the specific challenges when treating an adolescent with problem gambling? What resources would help you in providing the best possible care?
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Increases in technology use among Ontario students
According to the 2017 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS), there have been increases in social media and technology use among Ontario students. Further, this article (released today) states that: "Five per cent of secondary school students reported symptoms suggesting they had a serious problem with use of technology". This is the first time that the survey included items related to symptoms of problem technology use. Hopefully this sets a precedent for further research in...
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[Anonymous, Online Academic Study] Testing a web-based application for Depression and concerning gambling! (Canada,14-40 years)
Researchers at the IWK Health Centre have built a web-based app to help people change their behaviors to help improve their mood. We are looking for participants all around Canada to use it and tell us what they think about it. If you are, or know someone: Who is 14-40 years old? Who sometimes feels sad, down, or depressed and/or has little interest in doing things? Who often feels like gambling? This is a Canada wide study and there is no need to travel, as all study activities take place...
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Do you use the Mental Status Examination in your practice?
Do you use the Mental Status Examination (MSE) in your practice? If so, you'll want to head to our newly released evidence-informed practice web section on the MSE . There, you will find refreshers on what the MSE entails, the latest research on its use and how to apply it to your work with people with gambling problems. You can also find our other evidence-informed practice web sections at https://learn.problemgambling.ca/eip . We also recently offered a webinar on Concurrent Disorders and...
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is the news the new FOMO?
https://www.wired.com/2017/08/fomo/ This article from WIRED magazine asks us to think about how FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) of breaking news impacts on our lives. With recent tragic events, weather related disasters and "notable people" posting on social media, do you find yourself revisiting your social media and news platforms again and again for newer and more information? We often talk with our clients about taking breaks from technology, and from social media especially for those who are...
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Young people think they spend too much time on their cellphones
Pew research released an interesting study about screen time that finds that roughly half of U.S. teens say they spend too much time on their cellphones and about the same proportion say they have tried to cut down. Similarly, 57% had tried to cut down on social media and 58% tried to cut down on video gaming. The report also includes information about parents own use of technology and how they feel about screen time for their children. This is timely given the recent announcement from Apple...
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Screen time and ADHD
ADHD is a risk factor for developing problem technology use. There has also been some discussion in the popular media about whether screen time causes ADHD. Leonard Sax, a psychologist and author (Boys Adrift) who spoke at our forum in 2017 was featured in an article in Psychology Today titled, "Does Too Much Screen Time Really Cause ADHD?". In the article, he refers to a study, the first of its kind on the topic. Take a look at the article and see what you think.
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Promoting healthier gambling
Interesting article about the benefits or lack of benefits that result from educating customers about the games. Providing information in this study did not reduce gambling behaviour and people who showed personality traits associated with problem gambling actually lost a bit more after the labels were introduced. OLG has put a lot of resources into educating customers through their PlaySmart website, PlaySmart Centres, and educational resources but it is interesting to look at the impact of...
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Fortnite cited in 200 divorce cases in 2018 in the UK
Fortnite implicated in divorce proceedings I must admit, that when I first saw that headline in various places on social media, I thought it might have been a satire piece from the Onion or something similar. When I dug a bit deeper, it was revealed that is in, in fact, true. A couple of things struck me with this headline: 1) I'm so curious about other jurisdictions now and how many other couples would cite gaming as a factor in their relationship breakup. 2) It also calls attention to the...
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RCMP Youth Trends Report Fall 2018
This was forwarded to me, via email, and i am passing it along. There is a lot of great information to help us understand our youth and technology better.
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Ontario Place to be the new location for a casino?
Just in case you missed them, here are two recent articles published in the Globe and Mail on discussions to build a new casino at the Ontario Place location. Gambling industry eyes Toronto waterfront’s Ontario Place - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-gambling-industry-eyes-downtown-waterfront/ Ontario Finance Minister open to idea of a casino on Toronto’s waterfront - ...
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Teens and Social Media, suprising results?
Common Sense Media did a survey about teens and social media. The results indicated that teens felt social media made them feel better about themselves. Interestingly, they also noted that for youth who were already having a difficulty time, social media made them feel worse. Check out the infographic for information about teens and distracted driving and other aspects of their social media use.
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Screen time, social media and tech use among Ontario high school students: Webinar this Thursday!
Why are 20% of Ontario high school students spending 5 hours or more everyday on electronic devices in their spare time? To hear more about screen time, social media use and other findings from the 2017 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS) register for this webinar this Thursday September 27 th from 1-2:30pm (EDT). Target audience: Public health, teachers, policy-makers , mental health leads, counsellors, and service providers. REGISTER HERE: https://OSDUHS-2017.eventbrite.com
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How to Improve Screening for Problem Gambling - Recruiting for Concept Mapping Study
Are you a health care or service provider? If so, please share your thoughts with St. Michael’s Hospital and U of T researchers on ways to improve screening for problem gambling. We are looking for a wide range of health care and service providers. You can participate in-person at group brainstorming sessions held at the University of Toronto, or online on your own time. Those who take part will be eligible to win a food basket and/ or an iPad. Please contact our research team at...
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Gambling, Gaming, and Technology Use Knowledge Exchange
This link just came across my emails this morning. It is a Family Media Plan and Media Time Calculator. This helps families set personalized goals and rules around tech time. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/media/Pages/default.aspx
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Older Adults & Problem Gambling: Journal of Gambling Issues - Special Issue 39
There is a distinct scarcity of research on problem gambling in the older population (+ 55 years of age) despite a steady increase in prevalence rates (see Matheson et al., JGI , 39 , 43-61). In this special issue of the Journal of Gambling Issues ( JGI ), released in September 2018, a work group funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Gambling Research Exchange Ontario, summarize recent work in this field and identify paths for future study. Contributions include...
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Cashing in on Mental Health?
Interesting article from the CBC yesterday on problem gambling in BC. It's sobering to hear about the pitfalls other provinces face with respect to problem gambling prevention, protection and supports. The former Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario is referenced in here along with other Canadian sources, around the evidence supporting problem gambling. Take a read if you have a chance.
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How mental illness is discussed on the internet
armchair diagnosing is dangerous In the article linked above, they discuss one social media influencer who has created an 8 part documentary series examing the perceived mental health issues of another social media influencer. One of the concerns that gets examined is the idea that they lump bad behaviour in with mental health issues. This can have the impact of increasing stigma for those who deal with mental health issues. Another concern noted is that the one influencer is talking about...
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GGTU Fall 2018 Newsletter
We released the fall 2018 edition of our newsletter earlier this week. The newsletter features the newly released issue no. 39 of the Journal of Gambling Issues where the latest research on older adults and gambling is discussed, along with highlights from our Provinicial Forum, an agency spotlight on Amethyst Women's Addiction Centre, announcements, research updates, upcoming trainings and webinars, and what's in the news. In case you missed it, you can find the latest newsletter content on...
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Inventory of Gambling Situations mobile app now available
We have just released the new Inventory of Gambling Situations (IGS) mobile app. Launched in mid-September, this app provides a mobile-friendly version of the IGS, asking clients with problem gambling or suspected gambling problems about their past-year gambling frequency in 63 different situations that may put them at risk. The app provides an easy-to-use, accessible layout and the option for clinicians to get instant results with their clients in the absence of a computer. You or your...
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How to delete Facebook and Instagram - really
Deleting instructions This article was written for people concerned abut their data and photos being out there in the Facebook world after their recent spate of hacking attacks. The clear information could also be helpful for those struggling with their social media use and looking to remove themselves. Be warned, however. It is a process to ACTUALLY delete a facebook account. Even after you have followed all of the steps, they still give you a 30 day period where you can change your mind.
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Gaming and gambling
Research has identified a link between loot boxes and gambling. Loot boxes are an in-game purchase that players can make that includes randomized items that they may value. This random element of loot boxes is similar to random outcomes in gambling and there have been concerns that loot boxes may put players at increased risk of problem gambling.
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Gambling and Cannabis Use in Youth and Young Adults Survey
Hello, we are a group of researchers, educators, and trainees at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC). We are working towards creating new content for current educational programs provided to Ontario high schools, colleges and universities about gambling and cannabis use in youth and young adults. Please note this is not a research project. We have created a survey to assist us in how best to incorporate the most current research...
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Teens say social media not so bad....
Gen Z say social media not so bad...sort of... This article (from Buzzfeed, but with actual research attached to it) shows some stats on how not all teens find social media so bad after all. Then they go on to say that while it's not so bad, they also don't like all the drama that occurs on social media and 26% say it makes them feel worse about their own lives. I would wonder, if the article should be focused not on those who say it isn't so bad, but highlight the percentages who struggle...
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Just Released: Journal of Gambling Issues, issue no. 40
Our Journal of Gambling Issues has just released its latest issue (no. 40). The issue includes six original articles on topics such as self-exclusion in Swiss casinos and the links between impulsivity, depression and gambling; a policy paper on government-operated gambling; and a paper on the evolution of gambling. Read the full issue here .
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Searching for ways to improve screening problem gambling
St. Michael’s and U of T are looking for health-care providers to take part in a research study Are you a health-care provider? If so, please share your thoughts with St. Michael’s and University of Toronto researchers on ways to improve screening for problem gambling. We are looking for a wide range of health-care and service providers. In-person or online sorting and rating sessions will be held at U of T. Those who take part will be eligible to win a gourmet food basket. Contact Amanda...
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Mindfulness for gambling, gaming and technology use
I would have never known that I would be teaching clients how to meditate when I started in the addiction counselling field back in the early nineties. I was not even meditating back then, although I had started training in the martial arts, which I consider to be a form of moving meditation. I would not even have anticipated the types of benefits that I now see not only for the clients but also for myself and there is even scientific evidence behind them. Over the past several years,...
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CAMH Monitor e-Report 2017 - Gambling, Gaming & Technology Use Rates in Ontario Adults
The CAMH Monitor e-Report 2017 was just released, providing new gambling, gaming and technology use prevalence rates for Ontario adults. Below are some highlights. Gambling: The most common gambling activity was buying lottery tickets. 23.4% of adults reported betting on slots or table games at a casino in the past year, while 3.7% bet money online. 1.2% of Ontario adults had a moderate to high risk of gambling problems in the past year. Gaming & Technology Use: 5.6% of Ontario adults...
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Data show no evidence that teens' social media use predicts depression over time
Longitudinal data from adolescents and young adults show no evidence that social media use predicts later depressive symptoms. However, the findings do show that relatively higher depressive symptoms predicted later social media use among adolescent girls. This research stands in contrast with recent claims that adolescents' use of social media may lead to depression, claims based primarily on studies that examined associations between average social media use and average well-being measured...
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INQBOARD: Older Adults & Problem Gambling
EENet presents Inqboard... a collection of infographic posters. This Inqboard is based on the article, " The prevalence of problem gambling and gambling-related behaviours among older adults in Ontario " in the Journal of Gambling Issues by Mark Van Der Maas. Click on the image to download PDF version of the poster. To download the original study The prevalence of problem gambling and gambling-related behaviours among older adults in Ontario, click here .
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Register Today: Mindfulness for Gambling, Gaming & Technology Use
Are you a mental health & addiction service provider supporting clients with gambling, gaming or technology use concerns? If so, you may be interested in our one-day interactive and experiential mindfulness workshop taking place on March 8, 2019 in Toronto. This workshop, hosted by @Registered Member, will provide you with an introductory overview of mindfulness meditation, the practices, attitudes and concepts, along with how to incorporate them into your clinical practice.
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New Problem Gambling Grant Opportunity
Does your work involve advancing problem gambling awareness and/or counseling programs for immigrants, refugees and ethnocultural communities in Ontario? If so, we are pleased to invite you to apply for a new grant opportunity for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Four grants will be awarded for a total of $15k each. Click here for more information about this exciting grant and how to apply. Deadline to apply is March 29, 2019 .
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Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use Community of Interest Survey
We invite you to complete a short survey about our Gambling, Gaming & Technology Use Community of Interest, which you can access here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GGTU-CoI . The purpose of this survey is to understand the extent to which our community of interest has increased your knowledge about gambling, gaming and technology use as well as your connections with other stakeholders. It will also help to inform the development of future online communities through EENet Connect. This...
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New UK report says social media addiction should be a disease
The Royal Society of Public Health in the UK has argued that social media addiction's toll on young people's mental health warrants it being classified as a disease. Read the article in the Guardian and the full report .
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Deadline for Problem Gambling Grant Opportunity is Tomorrow
Tomorrow, March 29 is the last day to apply for our $15K grant to provide culturally & linguistically appropriate problem gambling awareness and/or counseling services for immigrants, refugees and ethnocultural populations in Ontario. Learn more at https://learn.problemgambling.ca/ethno-grant .
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Gambling for Shoes?
A very interesting BlogTO article came out yesterday about an arcade-like game called Key Master that has been popping up in designer shoe consignment shops in Toronto. Players use a joystick to fit a key into a hole that unlocks the prize, which can include expensive designer sneakers such as Yeezys or Air Jordans. The game costs $5 to play. I would like to hear your thoughts - is this considered a form of gambling? If so, what are the implications of having these pop up in consignment...
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Webinar: Gambling Expansion & Public Policy
Interested in learning about gambling expansion and public policy in Ontario ? Join our upcoming webinar with CAMH Senior Policy Analyst JF Crépault on June 18 from 12-1 pm Eastern Time: https://www.eenetconnect.ca/g/gambling-gaming-technology-use/event/webinar-gambling-expansion-and-public-policy
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Gambling Among Adults Experiencing Poverty and Homelessness: A Training Video
Recovery from Problem Gambling is possible. Client-centred strategies that are evidence informed help service providers build skills to assist the recovery journey for people experiencing gambling disorders, poverty and housing instability . https://youtu.be/1CZzzBOheAw People who are experiencing poverty and/or homelessness along with problem gambling can benefit from supports and services that are customized to their needs. This video describes the case management approach of the Gambling...