THE Chinese government has taken an effective step to control the addiction to video games by introducing certain restrictions. Children under 18 years of age are allowed to play video games for an hour on Fridays, weekends and holidays from 8pm to 9pm.

Excessive use of video games creates health issues, and produces socially isolated people. It has proven to be a dangerous distraction away from education. Children play these games all the time and are unable to concentrate on their studies. They lose interest and focus which affects their academic performance.

Children play the game on mobile phones and personal computers for long periods of time which affects their eyesight and health. Studies show that sitting in uneven positions and postures can be harmful for the neck. Playing certain games for far too long can even mess up with one’s brain as one tends to stay alone while gaming. The World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2018 declared video game addiction as a mental health disorder.

People gaming for long hours are less active socially. They neither want to go out and socialise with others nor want to spend time with family. Such addiction adversely impacts their personality, behavioural skills and communication abilities.

The restrictions introduced by China are needed in Pakistan as well. We should limit the time of video games so that the children may pay attention to some physical games, like football, cricket, basketball, or anything that is healthy for both the mind and the body.

Adeel Bhurt
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2021