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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Natasha May and Melissa Davey

‘Before, after and in class’: teachers say they are grappling with a growing gambling problem in Australian schools

Illustration of a boy surrounded by schoolwork and online gambling symbols
Gambling among school students is ‘exacerbated by relentless saturation advertising’ by gambling companies, frustrated teachers say. Composite: Victoria Hart/Guardian Design/Getty Images

Addiction to gambling and other harmful products such as vaping is affecting children’s ability to learn and concentrate at school during a critical time in their brain development, the CEO of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia, Dr Chris Duncan, has warned.

“I’m teaching many kids with chronic mental health issues related … [to] these areas,” he said.

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