Video game addiction is now recognised as a disease in its own right by the World Health Organisation. The WHO now refers to it as « Gaming Disorder » or « gaming disorder ».
Why this decision?
The WHO is responding here to a reality that is currently prompting some parents to seek clinical support and specific care for their children.
«We are receiving more calls about this type of issue on our Net Ecoute helpline 3018,» explains Samuel Comblez, psychologist and Director of Operations at e-Enfance.
This is not about demonising video games, but rather the addictive potential of certain games, particularly online games and others. MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game).
How can this disorder be identified?
According to Justine Atlan, Managing Director of e-Enfance, interviewed on 19 June on France Info, the first step is to identify excessive or even addictive behaviour. This often concerns older teenagers aged 16-17.
«The symptoms are those of all addictions: you organise your life around this zone of pleasure where you find comfort, and everything else becomes secondary,» she said on France Info radio.
Several factors may explain excessive consumption or even addiction to video games.
First, you need to ask yourself four questions:
- Is video gaming the only source of pleasure in his life?
- Can he reduce his use of video games, or even give them up altogether?
- Does the time spent playing games have an impact on his academic performance?
- Does he no longer see or go out with his friends?
If there is at least one positive response, current video game playing is risky.
Resources to assist parents:
The e-Enfance Association has been publishing for several years Video Games Info Parents section This is a unique space offering advice entirely dedicated to playing all kinds of video games.
As part of our mission to protect children on the internet, one of our priorities is to inform parents about this world and the media available. This space offers them the opportunity to choose the most suitable video game for their child and gives them the tools to better supervise their children's gaming habits. Also available online are thematic files to help you understand the world of video games.
