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Prevention of Problem Gambling
June 1998, Vol I, Issue 2

*A Monthly Newsletter on Problem Gambling Prevention Information, Research, and Initiatives*

"No progress has ever been made against an epidemic by treating only the casualties."

POLICY DEVELOPMENT AS A PREVETION STRATEGY

The Connecticut Compulsive Gambling Treatment Program has been working collaboratively with CCPG to develop a template policy for use by high schools and junior high schools throughout the state. The policy would address gambling in schools and discuss both educational and disciplinary responses. It is estimated that very few schools address this issue and even fewer have a stated policy that would guide and direct their efforts.

A concurrent activity for educators is to examine the promotion of gambling within the schools. Representative groups of the school community could begin by researching conditions at the school that support gambling and developing a vision of a healthy school environment.

An environmental approach to the prevention of gambling activity at schools, in conjunction with a stated policy, is a strong foundation on which to build prevention activities.