Physical health issues

  • Repetitive strain injuries: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and “gamer’s thumb” (de Quervain’s tenosynovitis) are common due to prolonged use of gaming controls.
  • Sedentary lifestyle: Extended periods of inactivity and unhealthy diets while gaming can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and other health related conditions.
  • Vision problems: Eye strain, headaches, and poor concentration are frequent complaints among gamers.
  • Sleep deprivation: Late-night gaming sessions can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
  • Neglecting basic hygiene practices: Gamers may skip essential hygiene routines like showering, brushing teeth, or changing clothes, prioritising game time over personal care.
Child playing video game

Psychological health issues

    • Addiction: Gaming can become addictive, leading to a condition known as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Symptoms include preoccupation with gaming, withdrawal symptoms when not playing, and loss of interest in other activities.
    • Mental health problems: Excessive video gaming is linked to depression, anxiety, and increased aggression.

Social impact

      • Neglect of responsibilities: Poor performance at school, work, or home due to excessive gaming.
      • Isolation: Withdrawal from social interactions and activities that were once enjoyed.
      • Relationship strain: Conflicts with family and friends over gaming habits.
Young person gaming on a mobile phone

Impacts of gaming disorder

Gaming disorder is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a mental health condition. It is defined in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as a pattern of gaming behaviour characterised by:

  • Impaired Control: Difficulty controlling the onset, frequency, intensity, duration, and context of gaming.
  • Priority Given to Gaming: Increasing priority given to gaming over other life interests and daily activities.
  • Continuation Despite Negative Consequences: Continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.
Child playing video game on PC

This list is not exhaustive but there to provide some general pointers. Remember there may be other reasons why children and young people behave in a particular manner, so as always it is good to have open and honest conversations with them first before jumping to any immediate conclusions.

想要加深理解?

加入我们培训的数千名家长和专业人士的行列,为儿童和青少年提供支持。我们的免费研讨会将为您提供预防游戏和赌博危害的知识和信心。

了解更多

Parent playing video games with their kids

如何与孩子谈论游戏

了解与儿童和青少年谈论电子游戏的最有效方法。

Father and son gaming together at home

游戏指南

在本指南中,我们将对当今最流行的一些游戏进行分析,解释它们是如何运行的,以及每款游戏的注意事项。

Children playing computer games together

游戏对儿童的影响

进一步了解儿童和青少年玩电子游戏的动机。

需要即时支持?

如果您担心青少年受到游戏或赌博的伤害,可以向他们提供支持。