Digital devices have become a part of our lives. Adults or children, one cannot do without them. While social media is one of the most appealing aspects of it, among kids, gaming is a big contributing factor. This is because mobile games and apps have lively graphics and engaging play, which make them engaging and interactive for children, says Dr Sreystha Beppari, Consultant Psychologist, Apollo Clinic, Pune.
In addition, they come alongside fast satisfaction from time to time and also foster connections among people who use them together through features like sharing or playing online against each other, she adds. However, when it becomes an addiction, it can cause severe harm to a child’s physical and mental health.
Also Read: How Does Screen Time Affect Mental And Physical Health Of Children?
Health Risks Of Gaming Addiction In Children
According to data, as of 2023, there were more than 320 crore gamers worldwide, which is predicted to reach over 330 crores by the end of this year. Of the total number, Asia is said to have the highest number of gamers.
In general, Rama Shyam, Programme Director, SNEHA, says that studies including a national survey have shown that young people (aged 9-17 years) invest more than three hours on digital interaction on a daily basis.
She says, "Apart from a segment that uses the mobile phone internet for study material, the top views for this population relate to downloading short videos, music, digital window shopping for apparels and brands and downloading movies on the OTT platforms."
As per a study published in Paediatrics in Review, over 90% of children older than two years old play video games, and three-quarters of American households own a video game console.
It also highlights that children aged 8–17 spend an average of 1.5–2 hours daily playing video games.
Dr Beppari believes no child under 18 months should have screen time, let alone play games for prolonged periods. However, according to her, 2–5-year-olds deserve an hour-long high-quality program daily, while those aged 6 years and older shouldn’t engage in screen time that affects their sleep, physical exercise, or any other healthy behaviour.
She says, “Too much screen time and gaming on mobile phones or other devices can cause serious problems with their physical health or mental well-being.”
"They are at risk of becoming overweight or obese if they stay idle for too long due to a lack of physical exercise; in addition to unhealthy weight gain, they may develop poor eyesight as well as inferior social interaction skills," she notes.
Signs Parents Should Watch Out For
Gaming addiction in children may not be very noticeable, especially in the early stages. However, here are some signs to watch out for before it starts wreaking havoc:
- If your child’s mobile or gaming habits are preventing them from doing their daily activities, such as sleeping or interacting with people.
- Neglecting schoolwork, previous hobbies, and old friends for game time.
- Children become more irritable when they are not playing.
- They pay less attention to duties.
- They have a permanent focus on gaming.
- Physical symptoms include sore wrists, backs, or eyes.
- Bringing focus back to simple joys from times when children would spend their summer holidays chasing butterflies, spending hours with comic books or learning to cook and clean at home along with their parents.
- Integrating digital safety components with modules on emotional resilience with young people and mentor parents to practise positive parenting skills.
- Engaging young people and parents together on civic initiatives where they gather information through the internet and file complaints with public authorities to address neighbourhood problems regarding sanitation, food security and public toilets.
- Identifying mental health concerns, with non-specialist workers providing screening and psychoeducation support to young people and making appropriate referral to clinical psychologists who address internet disorders among others.
How To Tackle The Problem
Dr Beppari says, “To win the case, parents must set their children strict time boundaries for using any gadget, provide for alternative activities, and communicate openly about how harmful gaming to them is.”
She also adds that children learn better tech patterns when grown-ups turn all devices off and accompany them in other activities.
Conclusion
Gaming is something that has become a part of most people’s lives. Young or old, men or women, everyone can get addicted to it. However, while most adults can practise self-control and prioritise their work, children need more guidance when managing their time. They need to be taught how to prioritise their work and decide what works best for them and what could harm them. Therefore, while you may not stop them from playing entirely, you must also propagate other activities that could benefit their physical as well as mental health.