Summary: The World Health Organization has added “gaming disorder” to its classification of diseases. Researchers say only a small share of gamers meet the strict criteria for diagnosis. This article reviews what the diagnosis means, why many young people play intensively, and practical advice for parents concerned about their child’s gaming.
Source: The Conversation.
Could your child be addicted to video games? Here’s what parents should know and practical steps to help moderate gaming habits.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has, for the first time, listed “gaming disorder” as a diagnosable condition. The WHO describes the disorder as impaired control over gaming, prioritising gaming over other interests and daily activities, and continuing or increasing gaming despite negative consequences. For a formal diagnosis these patterns should be sustained for at least 12 months.
The WHO’s decision aims to give mental health professionals a clear framework to identify and treat problematic gaming behaviour. It also offers a basis for research into risk factors and effective interventions.
Professional debate and differing views
Not all expert bodies agree that gaming disorder should be classified as a distinct medical condition. For example, some psychiatric associations argue the evidence is inconclusive and that symptoms are not yet clearly defined. Other psychology groups warn the decision may reflect social concern about new technology as much as it reflects rigorous science.
These critics urge more research to determine whether excessive gaming is a unique disorder or a symptom that accompanies other mental health problems such as depression or anxiety.
Why young people play so much
Research into children’s and teenagers’ technology use shows that gaming is often a social activity rather than purely a solitary habit. Many young people use online games to connect with friends, hang out, and share experiences. In some cases, several players gather online and only some actively play while others join primarily to chat and socialise.
Parents today often limit outdoor play or unsupervised activities more than in past generations, and as a result children may turn online to meet their social needs. Games are increasingly well designed, creative, and rewarding, which makes them appealing. The immersive design and the immediate sense of achievement in games like Fortnite help explain why children and teens can become deeply engaged for long stretches.
During qualitative interviews with families and teens, many young people described gaming as a form of escapism. They reported staying online to avoid homework, chores, or boredom, and said that when they logged off there was often little else to do at home. These social and environmental factors can help explain heavy gaming without implying clinical addiction in every case.
How common is true gaming disorder?
Addiction is a serious diagnosis and appears to affect only a very small percentage of players. Large surveys and clinical studies estimate that somewhere around 0.3% to 1% of gamers might meet stringent criteria for an Internet gaming disorder diagnosis. The WHO also expects only a small fraction of gamers worldwide to be affected.
For parents, this means most children who play a lot of video games are unlikely to have a clinical disorder. Instead, their gaming may reflect social habits, developmental needs, or temporary coping strategies.
Red flags parents should watch for
Gaming disorder is typically indicated when gaming repeatedly replaces other valued activities: the child declines invitations to socialise in person, abandons hobbies, or lets schoolwork and relationships suffer. Persistent sleep loss, sudden drops in academic performance, marked withdrawal from family life, or ongoing mood problems are all reasons to seek professional advice.
Rather than only trying to stop the gaming, ask why your child is playing so much. Is it boredom, lack of activities, social isolation, or underlying anxiety or depression? Understanding the causes will lead to more effective support.
Practical strategies for parents
Helping children develop healthy technology habits is a key parental role today. Three practical strategies can make a difference:
- Encourage a balanced routine from an early age: combine physical activity, outdoor time, and structured indoor activities. Model this balanced behaviour yourself.
- Talk with your child about gaming, and sometimes join them online. Avoid creating an “us vs them” dynamic. Playing together helps you understand the social and emotional value the game provides and makes conversations about limits easier.
- Use reliable information to guide decisions. Be wary of sensational headlines that aim to alarm. Seek out balanced, evidence-based advice from reputable sources and trusted professionals.
When to seek help
If your child’s gaming is linked with ongoing mood changes, declining school performance, severe sleep disruption, or a clear loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed, consult a pediatrician, family doctor, or mental health professional. These experts can assess whether the behaviour meets diagnostic criteria or whether other issues such as anxiety or depression are present.
Source: Joanne Orlando – The Conversation
Publisher: Organized by NeuroscienceNews.com
Image Source: Image adapted from the original news release.
The Conversation (2018). Could Playing Fortnite Lead to Video Game Addiction? The WHO Says Yes, But Others Disagree. NeuroscienceNews. Published June 25, 2018.