Last Updated on 10th December 2021

Key Points

  • Gaming Disorder has been classified as a mental health condition by the World Health Organisation

  • The NHS has launched a service to tackle gaming disorder

  • Gaming Disorder has multiple symptoms including irritation and lack of sleep

  • Young people with pre-existing mental conditions may be more susceptible

There is nothing wrong with gaming in moderation, but if you are concerned that a young person in your care has problematic behaviours toward gaming, it’s best to seek support. 

As the lockdown continues, young people and adults alike have found gaming an effective way to stay entertained. So, it’s important to pay attention to how much time young people in your care spend gaming.

What is Gaming Disorder?

Gaming disorder was designated as a mental health condition by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2019. They explain it as “pattern of gaming behaviours characterised by impaired control of gaming” characterised by giving priority to gaming over daily activities despite negative consequences.

In 2019, The NHS launched a new service that tackles behaviours associated with ‘gaming disorders’. The ‘Centre for Internet and Gaming Disorders’ supports young people who are ‘seriously addicted’ to gaming.

According to WHO, ‘gaming disorder’ involves patterns of behaviour so severe that they result in a ‘significant impairment’ in education, social and family activities for at least 12 months.

The WHO has offered reassurance that ‘gaming disorder’ will only affect a small proportion of those who play games. Setting positive boundaries around game playing can support young people to develop healthy gaming habits.

Dr. Linda Papadopoulos a Psychologist and Internet Matters Ambassador gives the following advice:

“Put parameters down when it comes to how long they’re allowed to play- don’t allow them to have tech in their rooms after lights out and ensure that they have alternative activities whether they be sports or clubs that make them engage with their peers in the real world- if you are still concerned then seek the help of a professional counsellor.”

It’s important to note that young people with existing mental health needs incl. depression, anxiety, ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be more susceptible to ‘gaming disorder’.

What do you need to look out for?

Symptoms of ‘gaming disorder’ can be:

  • Choosing to play games rather than socialise or do activities they previously enjoyed

  • Lying about how the amount of time spent on gaming

  • Inability to concentrate or focus on learning or participating in school or sports

  • Feeling irritable, impatient and restless without access to games

  • Excessive desire to be alone to play games

  • Constant tiredness, low mood and an inability to sleep

  • Headaches, eye strain, neck pain and repetitive strain injury caused by gaming

Where can I go for help?

You may want to speak to your GP in the first instance or a parent’s advice line.

Supports

For confidential parenting and family support, you can contact Family Lives on their website or on 0808 800 2222.

If you are a professional with concerns about a young person’s gaming habits you can contact the NSPCC Confidential Child Protection Helpline via email or on 0808 800 5000.

Do you receive our Safeguarding Alerts?

Receive regular updates to help you safeguard children in a digital era.

Sign Up

Does Gaming Promote Gambling?

With the line between online gaming and online gambling becoming even more blurred it’s time to look at the facts
Home Learning Hub - Online Safety for Parents

Visit the Home Learning Hub!

The Home Learning Hub is our free library of resources to support parents and carers who are taking the time to help their children be safer online.

Tackling Fake News During the Pandemic

Urgent alert for Nintendo Switch users

How to take back control of your screen time 

Family Screen Time
Pack

How to set privacy settings on TikTok