Southington Teens Tackle Sports Gambling In Student Video

SOUTHINGTON, CT — From vaping, smoking, drinking, drug abuse, and mental health concerns, there's a lot to worry about if you're the parent of a teenager.

But sports gambling addiction is often not on the radar of many.

But it is a problem and one that is becoming common in Southington, according to one group of local teens.

With that in mind, 11 members of Southington’s STEPS Youth Council have produced a public service announcement warning teens about the risks of sports betting, as part of a statewide youth gambling awareness initiative.

Southington STEPS — Southington’s Town-wide Effort to Promote Success — is a community partnership focused on preventing youth substance use and promoting healthy choices through education, action, and advocacy.

Since October, the Southington High School students have been developing a two-minute video through the Youth Gambling Awareness Project, an annual collaboration between the Capitol Region Education Council, DMHAS Problem Gambling Services, and the CT Council on Problem Gambling.

The program funds youth groups across Connecticut to promote awareness of problem gambling and connect peers with available resources.

According to the 2023 Connecticut School Health Survey, nearly one in four high school students statewide reported gambling on sports, cards, dice, lottery games or online.

As part of the application process, participating groups selected a focus area.

The STEPS Youth Council chose sports betting after observing what members described as a growing trend among teens in Southington.

Funding through the project enabled the students to work with professional videographers.

Sebastian Pepe collaborated with council members on the script and filmed the PSA with assistance from Jeremy Chin and Erika Korbusieski.

Jenna Hebert, a senior at SHS, plays the lead role of Macy, a teenager whose increasing involvement in sports betting begins to affect her academic performance and relationships with friends and family.

Other Youth Council members — Amelia Rizza, Caroline Decorte, Devon Jasulavic, Drew Niro, Gigi Truss, Hayley Friar, Jackie Liebler, Katie Cavanaugh, Maddy Landry, and Raquel Gontijo — appear in supporting roles.

The final scene shows Macy speaking with a trusted adult after her parents intervene.

“I think our story does a great job of showing the possible consequences of gambling, and the feeling of getting help,” Hebert said.

Students selected the tagline, “sports betting is a losing game,” referencing the losses experienced by the main character.

When completed, the video will be shared with high school staff, students, and parents.

Youth Council members also plan to distribute resources and promotional items during lunch periods in March in recognition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

A virtual showcase featuring all 17 youth-produced videos created through the Youth Gambling Awareness Project is scheduled for March 25.

STEPS said when the video is finalized, it will release it to the public so all can see it.

For more information on Southington STEPS, click on this link.