The Silent Epidemic: Early-Onset Ludopathy in Children and the Invisible Digital Threat

Ludopathy, or gambling disorder, is a recognized significant public health concern, extending its reach beyond adult populations and now affecting profoundly children and adolescents.1,2 This phenomenon is particularly alarming given the natural vulnerabilities of young individuals. Children, due to their developmental and cognitive immaturities, are less equipped to assess risks, resist impulsive behaviors, and understand the long-term consequences of their actions.3 This makes them uniquely susceptible to the addictive potential of gambling, whether in its traditional forms or its increasingly disguised digital manifestations. The prevalence of gambling problems among adolescents is notably higher than in adults, with some studies indicating rates 2 to 4 times greater, and up to 8% of adolescents aged 12-17 classified as pathologic gamblers.4,5 Such early engagement carries substantial risks for adverse outcomes, including strained family relationships, delinquency, and severe mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and, in severe cases, suicidality. The long-term implications for individual well-being and societal costs are considerable. While research on behavioral addictions has seen a significant growth rate, particularly in regard to information and technology communication-related disorders and gaming, the specific focus on very young children (below 12) in the context of gambling has historically been limited.5,6 However, the rapid evolution of digital environments and the increasing convergence of gaming with gambling elements now demand urgent attention to this critical, often overlooked, demographic. A critical and alarming trend in pediatric ludopathy is, in fact, the decreasing age of gambling onset, with significant implications for child development and public health. Although many comprehensive studies on youth gambling typically focus on populations 12-17 year olds, compelling evidence indicates that the first engagement with gambling activities occurs much earlier, with some studies reporting children as young as 7 years old participating in gambling and earliest memories of gambling exposure often stemming from early childhood.7,8 This commentary, authored by the working group on social Pediatrics of the European Pediatric Association, Union of National European Pediatric Societies and Associations, focuses on the early-onset ludopathy in children with aim of raising awareness among pediatricians, alerting parents and families, and fostering early preventive strategies to address the emerging risks of gambling behaviors in children under 12 years of age.