The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is attempting to address the growing concern over youth exposure to online sports betting through a free course available at the NFHS Learning Center. The program examines how the rapid expansion of legalized sports wagering, fueled by digital platforms and sports media integration, may influence high school students, even with age restrictions in place. It also addresses the financial and mental health risks tied to gambling, while raising early awareness among students and parents.
According to Dan Schuster, Director of Educational Services for the NFHS, the initiative aims to increase awareness around the emotional and psychological effects gambling can have on young people as online betting platforms become more accessible.
“The NFHS Learning Center is pleased to help raise awareness of the mental health challenges and risks sports betting can pose to young people,” Schuster said. “We value the opportunity to educate individuals nationwide on this critically important issue.”
The course outlines how gambling can impact students beyond finances, including increased stress and anxiety, along with strained relationships and declining academic or athletic performance. It also encourages parents, coaches and educators to recognize warning signs early and promote healthier decision-making among student-athletes and teens.
The NFHS course is designed to make education around sports betting more accessible at a time when gambling content is increasingly visible to teenagers through social media, sports broadcasts and mobile apps. Because the program is offered free through the NFHS Learning Center, students, parents, coaches and educators nationwide can easily access information about the risks tied to gambling behaviors.
The course aims to raise awareness before problems develop. By focusing on prevention, mental health, and responsible decision-making, the program encourages school communities to better understand how sports betting can affect student-athletes both on and off the field.
The two-hour course is divided into several sections covering the rise of sports betting and its impact on young people:
Overview of the course objectives and the growing relevance of sports betting education.
Explores how legalized gambling and digital platforms have expanded access to sports betting.
Examines warning signs, addictive behaviors, and how gambling can affect adolescents.
Details the financial, emotional, academic, and social impacts that gambling may have on students and athletes.
Discusses how sports betting can contribute to online abuse, pressure, and harassment directed at athletes and students.
Provides guidance for parents, coaches, and educators on early intervention and awareness.
Highlights the importance of fairness in high school sports and the risks gambling poses to athletic integrity.
Summarizes key takeaways and reinforces responsible decision-making and prevention efforts.
It’s a comprehensive breakdown of sports betting as a whole that can help prevent vulnerable youth from engaging in this activity.
Even with safeguards like age verification in place, underage gambling has become an issue, so educational courses that are easily accessible like this are even more important
