Rajasthan child suffers memory loss due to gaming addiction. What experts have to say
According to medica science, online gaming severely affects the mental well being of young children. Photo: Getty
A child in Alwar, Rajasthan, has experienced memory loss after losing an online game, raising concerns about the effects of excessive online gaming in children.
The child, who was deeply addicted to games like PUBG and Free Fire, has been admitted to a special school in Rajasthan, where teachers have assessed his condition.
#WATCH | Rajasthan | Case study of a child in Alwar who is suffering from severe tremors after being addicted to online gaming.
— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) July 12, 2023
Special Teacher Bhavani Sharma says, "A child has come to our special school. As per our assessment and the statements of his relatives, he is a victim… pic.twitter.com/puviFlEW6f
According to Rajeev Sharma, a special teacher at the school, the child used his neighbor's Wi-Fi connection to play online games without his parents' knowledge. Losing in one of the games had a severe impact on him, resulting in a loss of mental balance and tremors.
To address the child's condition, the special teachers have devised a treatment plan. They aim to rebuild the child's confidence by introducing a game in which he can win, thereby overcoming his fear of losing and restoring his mental well-being.
The impact of online gaming on children
In recent years, numerous cases have highlighted the detrimental effects of excessive online gaming on children. Some cases have even resulted in fatalities due to heart attacks, while others have led to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems.
dailyO spoke with Farhan Al Hamid, a 14-year-old from West Bengal, who fell victim to the popular online game PUBG during the lockdown in 2020. Farhan shared that he played PUBG for 12-16 hours daily for an entire year, leading to anxiety, depression, and irritability. His academic performance suffered, and he struggled with concentration even after ceasing to play the game over two years ago.
Insights from a psychiatrist
Dr Abbas Mehdi, a psychiatrist based in Lucknow, shed light on the impact of online gaming on children's mental health. He explained that excessive gaming disrupts the balance of serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to behavioral changes. He also mentioned that the American Psychiatric Society recognizes gaming addiction as a separate disorder.
Dr Mehdi shared an example of a child who excelled academically but experienced a decline in grades and behavioral changes after indulging in online gaming. Parental complaints revealed that the child would cover his face at night and secretly play games, giving the impression he was sleeping.
When asked about a cure for this disorder, Dr Mehdi explained that medication is not available specifically for gaming addiction. Treatment typically involves addressing symptoms like depression, anxiety, and anger through medications and psychotherapy.
The importance of parental education
Dr Mehdi emphasized that parental education is crucial in combating the issue of excessive online gaming. Children who lack proper monitoring and guidance are more susceptible to falling prey to online games. By raising awareness and actively monitoring their children's activities, parents can play a significant role in preventing and addressing the negative impacts of online gaming.
It is essential to recognize the potential risks associated with excessive online gaming and work collectively to foster a healthier balance between virtual and real-life experiences for children.