Yeah that is the sad truth when teenagers learned and get hooked to gambling. They will steak even from their parents. Then when they do not get enough, they will steal from other people. Since they are young, they have a little resistance from urge of gambling and may commit theft if they do not have money.
Most of the people I know that is just teen who plays gamling is just seeing it as a game. we all know that gambling is a game where risking your money is due. but for this people they are just considering it as fun and playable game so they dont see the big picture of the gambling games.
Parents should really teach their children not to gamble especially with money they don't even have the right to gamble with or money they cannot afford to lose. That is part of good parenting. Hence, if a child under 18 or even 21 gambles then there is something wrong here.
The role of parents is very important for the development of children. Parents should direct their children to do good things. Parents should give lessons and knowledge about life, association, teach them what are the positive and negative impacts of gambling. In the end, it is children who determine their way of life, but parents must keep reminding and watching them.