Sports betting ads are everywhere—from jerseys and stadiums to TV breaks during family games. But what does that mean for kids who are still learning, growing, and making sense of the world?
In this episode of Where Parents Talk, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Dr. Shawn Kelly, pediatrician, adolescent addictions specialist, and father of two.
Dr. Kelly explains why he co-authored a Canadian Medical Association Journal editorial on gambling advertising, and shares a powerful personal story about the moment his young son confused sports stats with betting terms.
Together, they explore:
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How repeated exposure to betting ads normalizes gambling for kids
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Why adolescent brain development makes teens especially vulnerable
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Warning signs parents should look out for
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Practical ways families can build media literacy and resilience
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Policy and regulatory changes that could help protect youth
The conversation offers parents insights and tools to better understand—and push back against—the growing influence of gambling ads on young minds.
DR. SHAWN KELLY
Pediatrician
Adolescent Addictions Specialist
Father of 2
“Brains actually secrete more dopamine in anticipation of the same large reward than does an adult brain or a younger child’s brain. They’re really primed to engage in risky behaviour that may have a reward hanging at the end of it. It’s a very important distinction in their development.