We must tackle this challenge

Someone who suffers from a shopping or gambling addiction may get deeply into debt and jeopardise their entire future. It is not for nothing that the WHO has recognised problematic gambling behaviour as a disorder. The main reason why behavioural addictions have featured more prominently as a public health issue over the past decade, however, is the change brought about by the Internet and smartphones. Digitalisation has greatly exacerbated the problematic use of the Internet, especially among children and adolescents.

An addiction such as problematic gambling behaviour impacts on whole families and communities. In many cases, the people affected struggle constantly to avoid a relapse. The earlier we identify a behavioural addiction the better – especially where young people are involved. Early identification needs to be accompanied by prevention, and structural prevention measures such as strict protection of gamblers in casinos are particularly effective in this respect.

Thus the FOPH is committed not only to preventing addictive behaviours but also to countering situations in which such behaviours may arise. It is engaged in a dialogue with the responsible federal offices and with cantonal authorities and professional associations in the field of addiction to generate new scientific findings in this area. Of particular interest here is knowledge about the efficacy of preventive measures, such as age restrictions, advertising bans and societal measures for gambling. So that behaviours don’t turn into addictions, we must tackle this challenge – it’s worth it.