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Gerry Reid, Opposition Education Critic and MHA for the District of
Twillingate-Fogo, says he is concerned about information received from
parents that indicate high school students in the province are gambling and
playing poker in school classrooms during recess and lunch periods. Reid
raised this issue in today’s question period in the House of Assembly.
"This government says they are studying the problem of gambling addictions
in the province, but apparently have no policy in place that addresses the
growing problem of gambling in schools," said Mr. Reid. "Students are
currently playing poker for money in classrooms on their recess and lunch
breaks and the minister seemed unaware of the problem when asked about it
today in the House of Assembly.
"The game of choice in our schools is Texas Hold’em poker and has become
a popular fad amongst our young people. It is of concern when high school
students begin playing at such a young age and during school hours. If
teenagers begin gambling at such an early age, what will this mean for
gambling addictions in our province in the future? While many people may
consider this to be innocent fun, gambling with five or ten dollars could
grow into a much larger problem, especially when teenagers begin this
activity at such a young age.
"The Department of Education should examine this growing problem and
develop and promote adolescent gambling prevention activities or policies.
Instead of turning a blind eye to these activities, government should target
high school students and try to prevent this type of activity from taking
place in our schools. It is only through awareness that prevention can take
place.
"There has been much discussion over the past number of months regarding
the impact VLT’s are having on our communities. By making the necessary
investment to ensure that young people understand and receive information
about the negative impacts of gambling, even possibly developing an
awareness program, the Department of Education would help educate our
students on the negative effects of gambling addictions. An investment now
could pay dividends in the future."
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