Internet gaming disorder: A dangerous trend on the rise in youngsters

New Delhi: The internet has become an integral part of people’s lives. However, its usage has gone beyond the typical and in many cases leading to addiction, especially among youngsters. In the realm of online gaming, every second child spends time in front of the screen playing online games and sometimes so much that it affects their daily lives – studying, playing, etc.

Being a mental health disorder, IGD severely impacts the personal, family, and social lives along with the physical and mental development of children.

In the last two years, because of the Covid pandemic, children were confined to the four walls, hence, the resurgence of online gaming has seen an upward trend. Screen time for the kids has increased and along with it, the symptoms and signs of IGD like:

Always staying online

Withdrawal when the internet is not available

Inability to control the use of the internet

Mood swings

Increase in irritability

Loss of interest in other forms of entertainment like playing sports, watching television, reading books, etc.

Loss of appetite

Social withdrawal

Mental health professionals believe that the condition typically emerges in those kids who spend more than eight hours a day on the internet gaming.

Experts also believe that increase in IGD can lead to various other mental health issues like anxiety, ADHD, depression, and bouts of violent behaviour in children and teenagers. Children who play online games start living in the make-believe world, daydreaming and relying on the internet to meet their confidence and self-esteem goals. They also see online gaming as a tool to gain social acceptance among friends and peers.

Even though gaming disorder is still emerging, experts believe that a few steps taken by parents can help children get over it:

Limit internet timings: In today’s world it is very difficult to keep your child away from the internet all the time, and so parents must restrict the timings so that the child can complete their other tasks too.

Parents' involvement: No matter how busy they are, parents should take time to see what their kids are up to. Spend time with the children, know their daily routine, and help them with homework so that they feel loved and supported.

Talk to the children: It is very important to keep the dialogue open. Discuss the ramifications of online gaming disorder with the children and hear their viewpoints as well.

Indulge them in sports and other activities: Encourage children to get involved in various activities where they can enjoy themselves with friends and family.