Education Programs for Young Adults

Available in English and French, Check Your (Re)flex is an interactive game delivered  by trained representatives and visits post-secondary institutions and community events across Ontario. Young people are invited to play a video game with three levels, a music and countdown clock to set the pace of play. As players move through the games, the pace speeds up and each one becomes more difficult. Participants’ reactions are measured based on their galvanic skin response (change in sweat glands) via the joystick.

At the end of the game, participants receive a summary of their results, and are given an opportunity to enter a contest. Those who may not have an opportunity to play at the kiosk are given two other options to participate. They can take a picture of the QR code located at the display and play the games on their mobile phones, or they can choose to play online. While these options won’t measure their galvanic skin response, information about how playing games – and gambling – can trigger a heightened emotional state, making it difficult to make decisions about your play is provided. Before leaving the display, each person receives an information card and a small giveaway.

Check Your (Re)flex delivers these key messages

• Dispels myths associated with gambling
• Highlights signs of problem gambling
• Shares problem gambling services; and
• Suggests ways to keep gambling safer

Safe gambling tips to remember and share

• Use and stick to pre-set time and money limits
• Prioritize responsibilities like classes or work, over gambling
• Be aware of signs of a problem like lying about money or time spent, skipping class or work to gamble, withdrawing from friends and family, and negative effects to mental or physical health
• Use money set aside for entertainment and spend time doing other activities