SkyNews: Are children more susceptible to videogame addiction in lockdown?

If you worry that children may be more susceptible to video game addiction than ever, you’re not alone. China has implemented a huge ban on gaming, allowing children only 3 hours per week to play video games.

Will this work?

The World Health Organisation has made it clear that too much time gaming will not lead a child to addiction. Rather it’s an intensity in their approach to gaming. Much like any other kind of addiction, gaming addiction is the same. If your child is spending too much time gaming one thing to be aware of is that many kids play games to hang out with their friends - they simply do the hanging out online.

If you are worried there is a problem there are red flags to look for. To be diagnosed with gaming addiction, a person needs to demonstrate all three of these symptoms for at least 12 months:

• losing control over how much you’re gaming

• prioritising gaming to the extent that it takes precedence over other activities and interests

• continuing to game despite negative effects on school, family life, work, health, hygiene, relationships, finances or social relationships.

For more tips on guiding children on technology in balanced ways here are my TechClever courses for schools and parents https://www.techclever.education/