Adolescence can be a vulnerable developmental period since the experimentation of high-risk behaviours by some individuals may bring them to experience serious negative consequences. Gambling is the most popular high-risk activity among teenagers compared to alcohol, drugs and cigarette use. In fact, there is ample research demonstrating that 80% of teenagers gamble. Furthermore, between 4% and 6% of teenagers may be considered probable pathological gamblers with an additional 10% to 15% that may be considered at-risk of developing a gambling problem. It is therefore important to work towards preventing gambling related problems by increasing people's knowledge concerning the nature and risks associated with gambling, helping them reinforce or acquire social skills, and modify their attitudes and erroneous cognitions with regards to gambling. By doing so, we ultimately hope to modify gambling behaviours in youth in order to assure that they delay taking part in gambling activities or adopt responsible gambling behaviours.

In order to achieve these goals the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems & High Risk Behaviors conducts ongoing research and needs assessments in order to enrich our knowledge of adolescents' risk-taking behaviours. Based on that knowledge, we have developed, or are in the process of developing, different prevention tools to decrease risk factors and increase protective factors associated with gambling problems as well as with other High-Risk behaviours. These prevention tools target elementary and high-school students, parents, teachers, treatment providers as well as members of the medical and judiciary systems.

• Prevention Projects

• Public Health