November 2004     In fact, Internet gambling has increased from one site to 1,400 in the past six years. Gambling has become one of the most popular activities for teens today. There are several reasons for the astronomical rise in teen gambling. First, television has definitely glamorized it with so many cable channels now catering to gambling activities. Second, practically every state in the United States has legalized gambling, and states actually encourage people to gamble. Third, the Internet has made it extremely easy to gamble with just a few clicks and a credit card. In fact, Internet gambling has increased from one site to 1,400 in the past six years (youngmoney.com). Fourth, the chance of winning an extremely large amount of money with such a small investment provides excitement and expectation for unlimited hours. Teens thrive on challenges, and for many teens, gambling provides that immediate rush. You may think this is something your teen could never struggle with. After reading the profile for a typical teen gambler, you may change how you feel. Gambling appeals to teens who are successful, motivated, competitive, have a history of good/excellent performance at school, perfectionists, and those who bore easily in social settings (azccg.org). As a parent, several measures can be taken to make sure your teen does not fall into this gambling trap. First, you must monitor the websites your teen visits on a regular basis. Teens must have boundaries, and keeping them accountable on the Internet encourages healthy accountability. Second, watch for signs or suspicious behavior in your teen. God has instilled something into you as a parent that gives you an intuition when something is wrong…follow it. Third, pray for your teen. You cannot be with your teen at all times, but what a blessing to know that God is. Do you know some signs that your teen may be struggling with any form of gambling? Here are a few: * Unexplained need for money. * Missing money or possessions in the house. * Becoming withdrawn. * Missing school or classes. * Drop in outside activities. * Excessive TV sports watching. *Overly upset at conclusion of sporting match. * Drop in grades. * Interest in sports teams with no previous allegiance. * Displays of unexplained wealth. (practicalmoneyskills.com) Here are some very interesting facts on teens and gambling... The five most frequently reported types of gambling: Played cards for money- 55% Played games of skill for money- 42% Played bingo for money- 38% Bought lottery tickets for self- 32% Played gambling machines- 25% (gamblingproblem.org) The six most frequent reasons students gave for gambling: To win Money- 32% Fun and entertainment- 28% Excitement- 14% It’s a challenge- 10% To socialize- 7% Boredom- 6% (gamblingproblem.org)

	Gambling has definitely become a hot issue recently. Here are some thought provoking questions to start a conversation about all forms of gambling: 1. Have you ever watched a Poker Championship television show? If yes, why did this show grab your attention? 2. Do you ever play poker with your friends? What do you bet with? How often do you play? 3. Have you ever played any Internet poker games? How do you play? 4. Why do you think so many people become addicted to any form of gambling?		Pray that... 1. God will protect every family member from any sort of addiction, including gambling. 2. God will give your teen wisdom and discernment regarding the activities in which they participate with their friends. 3. God will help your teen make God-honoring, sound decisions with money and the ways in which it is spent. 4. God will give you the words to talk about and confront any issue that your teen struggles with in his/her life. "People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." I Timothy 6:9-10 (NIV) These verses truly describe what happens to anyone who falls into the trap of gambling. Think about it...the main reason anyone is tempted to play the lottery is to get rich quick. God calls gambling what it is, a temptation and a trap. All addictions start off innocent and "fun", but these actions will eventually start taking anyone to "ruin and destruction". It is a good reminder that money is not bad, but the LOVE of money that can cause major damage to anyone. This is why we must choose daily who we will serve, money or God. Money will only fulfill us for the moment. God will fulfill us for eternity.
	Did you know... * In a recent survey, half of 14 to 18-year-old boys said they've gambled for money. And more 14 to 17-year-olds have tried gambling than alcohol or cigarettes. (thebostonchannel.com) * A recent epidemiological study found that 70% of teens ages 13 to 17 reported that they had gambled during their lifetime. The median age for starting to gamble was 12.5. (about.com) * Statistics prove that teen-age Internet gambling is the fastest growing addiction of the day, akin to drug and alcohol abuse in the 1930's. (cnn.com) * A majority of Americans (61%) believe that gambling is "morally acceptable". barna.org

	This page is designed to inform and educate parents and is not meant to endorse any product, music, or movie. Our prayer is that you will make informed decisions on what your student listens to, wears, and sees!
	Rachael Lampa began her music career at age 14. In a mere five years, she has sold over 600,000 CD's between her first two albums while also spawning several number one hit singles. She is a four-time Dove Award nominee and winner of the 2001 Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year for "Blessed". The last few years for Rachael have been filled with non-stop touring, graduating from high school, moving out on her own and working on her newest album. From her experiences she says, "The fact is we can't just get by with merely accepting or believing it (God being in control), but we actually have to actively embrace it." rachaellampa.com According to bolt.com, here are the latest picks of the face-off between vintage clothing and new clothing: Best Buy: 55% - Vintage 45% - New The Stylish Option: 45% - Vintage 55% - New		Albums: "Goodies" - 9/2004 Background: With "attention-grabbing vocals, irresistible songwriting and killer dance moves," Ciara (18 years old) has been dubbed the First Lady of "Crunk & B", a new form of R&B. She decided early on that she wanted to sing professionally. Ciara joined a girl group to get started in her career, but quickly left to go solo. She then met Jazze Pha who signed her to his Sho' Nuff label. While only being in the business for three years, her debut album continues to gain popularity with one of its hit singles remaining in the number one spot on the charts. Potential Controversy: Ciara's debut album is said to be a "heaping dose of real life issues conveyed through everyday language." It contains some edgy content using sexual slang references and innuendos as well as some foul language. Parent/Teen Q&A: Ciara states, "Yeah, I want to do it all. I want to live the best life that I can live. Why not?" Q: Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Is it possible to "do it all"? In what ways does trying to "do it all" help or hinder your walk with Christ? sonicnet.com/vh1.com
	Here are just a few so-called must sees this month. See what you think. TITLE RATING RED FLAGS GENRE STARRING The Incredibles PG For action, violence Animation/Action Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter Seed of Chucky R For strong horror, violence/gore, sexual content and language Horror Jennifer Tilly, Brad Dourif Taxi PG-13 For language, sensuality and brief violence Action/adventure, comedy Queen Latifah, Jimmy Fallon

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