A survey has shown e-sports gambling is a common addictive behavior among more than half of junior high school students surveyed, while drinking is the main addictive behavior among college students.
A survey co-conducted by the Bosco Youth Service Network acquired data from 1,148 junior high school students and 177 college students from September to November last year.
Research shows it is common for middle school students to engage in addictive behaviors, with more than 56.6% of middle school students having participated in addictive behaviors, but that only 3.4% have ever sought help.
Compared with the 2017 study, the number of junior high school students surveyed who drank, smoked and gambled was significantly lower, but drug abuse increased significantly, from 0.3% to 1.3%.
In the past 30 days, 21.8% of teenagers said they had been cyberbullied, 17.3% had viewed pornographic websites and 7% to 20.6% had sent or received pornographic messages from others, respectively.
The survey also found junior high school students and college students spend between six and eight hours on the internet.
As for college students, 59.3% of college students said they had participated in addictive behaviors, and drinking was the most common. Almost 70% of college students said they had drunk alcohol.
In the past 30 days, 10.2% of college students have been cyberbullied, 41.8% have viewed pornographic websites and 9% and 14.7% have reported sending or receiving sexually explicit messages from others.
The Bosco Youth Service Network stated that young people are easily exposed to emerging gambling activities, and it recommended that local authorities continue to pay attention to participation trends, provide preventive education and early intervention to reduce the chance of addiction.
Addictive behaviors share some common high-risk factors, such as suicidal thoughts and emotional conditions, the study claims. The association also called for society to focus on supporting the mental health of young people.
Staff Reporter
