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Study says betting is as serious as drugs or unsafe sex

Published: 17 December 2009

Youth gambling isn't as big a concern to Canadian parents as other activities like unsafe sex and drug use, according to a new study. Now, researchers are hoping to change that. The "Parents As Partners" study, released yesterday, is the first of its kind in the world to examine parental awareness of youth gambling, researchers said. "Canada is a world leader in researching and understanding gambling behaviours, and this study looking at parents of teens is a global first," said Dr. Jeff Derevensky, Co-Director of the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University. Conducted by research firm Decode and McGill University, the study interviewed 2,700 Canadian parents and found that of the concerns parents have about their kids, gambling ranks last.

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