Argentina’s Public Guardian Office warns of online gambling risks among teens

Argentina’s Ministerio Público Tutelar (MPT) has launched an awareness campaign focused on the growing risks of online gambling among adolescents, as part of Social Media Day on June 30. Titled “Just Because They’re at Home Doesn’t Mean They’re Safe,” the campaign addresses the hidden dangers of digital environments, particularly online betting, alongside bullying and screen addiction.

According to a 2024/2025 MPT survey of 232 teenagers in vocational training programs, 9 out of 10 teens use their phones during free time, and all have at least one social media profile. Additionally, 60% stay online longer than intended, and 20% report neglecting school or family responsibilities due to digital activity.

The MPT warns that the home—considered a safe space—is increasingly vulnerable to digital threats, especially illegal or harmful online gambling. Signs of concern include mood swings, irritability, secrecy about time or money spent online, and unexplained access to cash or goods.

To help families identify risks, the MPT encourages open, non-judgmental dialogue, along with monitoring the use of virtual wallets and recognizing suspicious spending on gaming platforms. The institution collaborates with the Lotería de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires in cases of underage gambling and urges families to report issues to child protection agencies.

Adriana Martínez Bedini, Director of Training at the MPT, stressed that adolescents should not be labeled as gambling addicts, noting that clinical addiction (ludopathy) primarily affects adults. In youth, such behavior should be seen as a risk—not a disease—and approached through early intervention and education.