Description
Abstract
Purpose: This study examines the various risk factors related to adolescent’s online addiction. Specifically, the study unfolds the dark reality: adolescents’ growing obsession with online gambling and betting, which leads them toward various psychological, physical, and social problems. Interventions are suggested through the application of a ‘risk and support framework’, which may gradually help adolescents to reduce addiction and to get back to a healthy life.
Design/methodology/approach: The study has employed a mixed-method approach. While qualitative data were collected through online Google questionnaires from adolescents (N=782), qualitative data were gathered from their parents and caregivers (N=20) through face-to-face interviews. This research found that although Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country and people have a negative perception towards gambling, 38 percent of young adults are addicted to online gambling and suffering from various consequences.
Findings: This study reveals the various causes that lead adolescents towards online gambling or betting. The different factors are cultural changes, longer screen time, and Covid-19 pandemic factors. Adolescents prefer receiving support from their parents, friends, and professional bodies; however, most of them fail to get enough help to get rid of such addiction. This study proposes a ‘risk and support framework’ to help adolescents to reduce gambling addiction. This framework requires immediate support from parents, caregivers, and government and non-government organizations.
Practical implications: This study is important for parents and educational institutions to understand the suffering of adolescents while becoming addicted to online gambling. This study can be an example for policymakers to formulate guidelines and policies for reducing gambling addiction among adolescents in Bangladesh.
Originality/value: This research complements the existing guidelines and policies for adolescents on internet and gambling addiction in Bangladesh. The cultural changes among the young generation through the digitalization process in Bangladesh have become a contributing factor to online and gambling addiction. The risk and support framework can be an effective measure to reduce gambling addiction. This study further attributes to the role of parenting in supporting adolescent’s well-being.
Keywords: Cyberworld, Online, Gambling, Family, Adolescents
