While we all know that gaming addiction is real, so far, it was not taken very seriously. However, new reports show reasons of serious concern for parents of children who are avid gamers.

A survey found out that 10 per cent of the people playing video games admitted to spending between 12 and 24 hours glued to their video game screens. While some may debate whether gaming does pose a threat to mental health, the amount of time many people spend playing video games is surprising.

representational image

According to The Independent, ‘Gaming Disorder’ is all set to be classified as a mental health condition in World Health Organisation’s international list of illnesses for the first time next year, reported ANI. The list was last updated 27 years ago, in 1990.

representational image

Several gamers were found to go long hours in front of their consoles, causing a lack of sleep and a reduction in physical activity and exposure to sunlight.

Talking about the draft and the decision to put gaming disorder in the list, Vladimir Poznyak, a member of the WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, said, “Health professionals need to recognise that gaming disorder may have serious health consequences. Most people who play video games don’t have a disorder, just like most people who drink alcohol don’t have a disorder either. However, in certain circumstances overuse can lead to adverse effects.”