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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 13 Sponsored Material Ask the Expert a sk t h e e x p e rt Wagaman noted that research has proven me and me again that parents infl uence their children's decision-making. In the 2019 Utah Stu- dent Health and Risk Preven on (SHARP) study, children cited parents as the number one infl uence, even over peers or social media, when it comes to their decisions around substance use in par cular. "Being ac ve, engaged parents, knowing who their friends are, what games they are playing, and how they are spending their me is so important," said Wagaman. Whether looking at substance abuse, gaming and gambling, or screen and technology usage, it is of the utmost importance that parents and caregivers model healthy habits. "No phones at the dinner table if you're having a family meal – put them away. If your child is trying to talk to you, be present, and put down electronic devices," said Wagaman. She explained that if a child's need for rela onships and a en on isn't fulfi lled, they will o en turn to online gaming and social media for that connec on. There are many simple ways parents can connect with chil- dren, and Wagaman said, "Family ac vi es don't have to cost a lot of money. Going for a walk, watching a movie together, having a 30-second dance party, involving children in household tasks…also takes me away from devices." In addi on to emphasizing the importance of healthy rela onships and connec ng with children, parents can make sure they're having ongoing, open conversa ons with children about gaming, gambling, and technol- ogy usage. Wagaman emphasized se ng healthy boundaries, being clear about expecta ons and parameters, and said, "Let your kids know that they can always come to you." Family games off er plenty of bonding opportuni es – but when those games involve be ng, it can send the message that a game requires gambling to be fun. Gambling can take the form of many things, including school fundraisers, raffl es, or Bingo, that have become a part of the social norm. When it comes to games, many children don't even realize they're involved in gambling. "You're just playing a game, and you want to do be er in the game, so you spend your money on in-game loot boxes, gotchas, or chances to try and get an edge up on the game or other players, and that's kind of how it starts. And part of the draw is that instant gra fi ca on. For gaming, especially for adolescent males, you just get that rush and that immediate dopamine hit," said Wagaman. For parents, no cing the warning signs of problema c gam- ing or gambling is vital. Red fl ags include: • Moodiness and irritability • Choosing not to be with friends in real life to instead focus on online gaming friends • Not doing schoolwork or falling behind in classes • Staying up too late • Planning the en re day around gaming • Not exploring new hobbies or discovering new passions • Selling items or spending all allowance on gaming • Missing money or lying about where money is Wagaman went on to acknowledge that paren ng is hard and urged parents and families to take advantage of commu- nity ac vi es and resources. She said, "You don't have to do it alone. There are resources – not just RACSB but other community partners and non- profi ts, as well – that provide support throughout our com- munity." Parents and caregivers seeking more informa on and resources for preventa ve educa on or in need of interven- on and care can visit h ps://rappahannockareacsb.org/ preven on/.