The seminar opened with a speech by Assist. Prof. Nurten Elkin, faculty member of the Department of Child Development and Coordinator of Addiction Prevention. The educational session was conducted by Clinical Psychologist Bilal Kalender, Social Worker Ece Nur Hitay, and Occupational Therapist Sedanur Yılmaz from IMM’s Directorate of Addiction Prevention and Rehabilitation. The seminar addressed the adverse effects of online gambling and screen addiction on individuals and society, supported by real-life case studies presented by the experts. A holistic approach to addiction—including psychological, social, and physical aspects—was emphasized, with critical warnings particularly directed toward youth and families.
At the beginning of the seminar, it was highlighted that screen addiction has become an increasingly prevalent issue in recent years. Today, excessive time spent on digital games, social media, and internet use may lead to severe behavioral disorders that manifest as addiction. Clinical Psychologist Bilal Kalender stated that screen addiction negatively impacts individuals' social lives, academic performance, and mental health. Online gambling, which involves participating in and betting on gambling games via the internet, has become increasingly widespread with the digitalization of traditional casino games. Online gambling platforms offer users access to poker, roulette, slot machines, and other games that may lead to severe addictive behaviors driven by the desire to win and seek excitement.
Online gambling is rapidly spreading, especially among youth and those with easy access to digital platforms. Gambling addiction can severely affect individuals’ psychological health, family dynamics, and financial stability. Furthermore, individuals engaged in online gambling are often prone to chasing their losses, creating a vicious cycle that, if left untreated, can lead to significant social and economic problems. It was also emphasized that online gambling is occupying an increasingly significant place among behavioral addictions, with a noted rise in interest among young individuals.
Social Worker Ece Nur Hitay pointed out that online gambling addiction can severely disrupt family structures and result in substantial psychological, economic, and social harm to individuals. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness among families and underlined the role of intra-family communication and supervision mechanisms in preventing such addictions.
Occupational Therapist Sedanur Yılmaz focused on the physiological effects of screen addiction, noting that such dependencies can lead to developmental issues, especially in children and adolescents. Yılmaz stressed the importance of play therapy and physical activities in combating addiction. Participants were advised to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and develop strategies to reduce screen time. Screen addiction is characterized by prolonged exposure to screens, adversely affecting individuals' social, psychological, and physical well-being. This condition is typically associated with digital devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets, and televisions and often stems from excessive use of social media, video streaming, online gaming, and continuous internet consumption.
The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of online gambling and screen addiction and were informed about actionable steps in combating these issues. In closing, the importance of establishing collaborative support networks to strengthen community resilience in the fight against addiction was emphasized. At the end of the seminar, Assist. Prof. Nurten Elkin, Head of the Department of Child Development and Coordinator of the Addiction Prevention, presented plaques to the speakers in appreciation of their contributions.
