Protecting Children from the Addiction of Online Gaming

Suresh Khaitan | विविध | Jan 17, 2025 | 143

In today's digital age, online gaming (or even online gambling and betting ) has become a prevalent pastime for children and adolescents, offering both entertainment and social interaction. However, the rise in gaming popularity has also led to a concerning increase in addiction rates among young players. Research indicates that approximately 8.5% of children aged 8-18 exhibit signs of gaming addiction, which can have detrimental effects on their mental health, social skills, and academic performance. In this essay, Suresh Khaitan explores the urgent need for parents, educators, and policymakers to implement effective strategies to safeguard children from the potential pitfalls of excessive gaming.

Protecting Children from the Addiction of Online Gaming 

Suresh Khaitan

Online gaming addiction is emerging as a silent epidemic, often more destructive than drug addiction. It doesn’t just affect the academic or personal lives of children—it can shatter entire families. The tragic story of Rohit, a brilliant student from IIT Indore, is a stark reminder of this grim reality.
Rohit was a topper, brilliant mind with a supportive and financially stable family. Yet, he fell victim to the relentless grip of online gaming and betting. In his heartbreaking suicide note, he admitted he couldn’t free himself from the addiction. Even his parents’ forgiveness wasn’t enough to help him. Rohit saw no escape but to end his life.
This tragedy is not an isolated case. Online gaming addiction is not a harmless pastime; it is a trap that isolates, depresses, and, in extreme cases, destroys lives. It’s time we take this issue seriously, not just for our children but for ourselves as well.

Understanding the Gravity of the Issue

What begins as innocent gaming for recreation often escalates into online betting, leading to financial losses, emotional instability, and addiction. Addiction drives children away from family, friends, and real-world interactions. It fosters anxiety, depression, and a sense of helplessness. Here lies the irony—while we reprimand our children for their screen time, we, as parents, are equally addicted to our devices. We justify our usage as “necessary” for work or learning, yet much of it is for recreation or browsing. How can we expect our children to change when we fail to lead by example? If unchecked, this addiction can lead to academic decline, strained relationships, financial troubles, and even self-harm.

Breaking the Cycle: A Family-Centered Approach

Addressing gaming addiction is not just about imposing restrictions on children. It requires a holistic, family-centered approach:

1. Start with Self-Reflection:
Recognize that children often model their behavior after their elders. If elders in the family are constantly glued to screens, how can we expect them to behave differently? Begin by reducing your own screen time and setting a positive example.


2. Foster Open Communication
Sit down with your child and discuss the issue openly. Avoid blame or criticism; instead, express your concerns with empathy. Share your struggles with screen time to show them they are not alone in facing this challenge. 

3. Replace, Don’t Just Restrict:
Gradually reduce screen time by introducing alternative activities like sports, music, art, or other hobbies. Encourage activities that align with your child’s interests, such as robotics, coding, chess, or outdoor adventures.

4. Establish Family Digital Detox Times
Dedicate specific times of the day for screen-free family activities, such as evening walks, board games, or cooking together. Ensure this applies to everyone in the family, including parents and siblings.

5. Gradual Reduction Instead of Sudden Bans:
Abruptly taking away screens can lead to frustration, rebellion, or even severe consequences like depression. Instead, work with your child to create a plan for reducing screen time gradually. Use tools or apps to monitor and limit gaming time in a non-confrontational way.

6. Seek Professional Support if Necessary
If the addiction is severe, consult a counselor or therapist specializing in gaming addiction. Join support groups where families share strategies and experiences to combat addiction.

Practical Solutions for the Entire Family

The battle against online gaming addiction is not about isolating children—it’s about creating a healthier environment for the entire family.

1. Redefine Recreation: Engage in shared activities that don’t involve screens, such as gardening, volunteering, or fitness challenges.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Start small, such as reducing screen use by 30 minutes a day, and celebrate progress together. 
3. Promote Offline Socialization: Encourage children to spend time with friends and family in real-life settings. 
4. Encourage Responsibility: Involve children in household chores or community projects to foster a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

The Role of the Government

This issue extends beyond individual families. Governments must take responsibility by:
Regulating Gaming Platforms: Enforcing strict age restrictions and limiting the gambling aspects of online games.
Raising Awareness: Launching campaigns to educate parents and children about the dangers of gaming addiction.
Providing Support: Establishing helplines and resources for families dealing with gaming addiction.

A Wake-Up Call

The tragic story of Rohit should not be forgotten. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. But this is not just about children—it’s about us as a society. We must prioritize our children’s well-being over convenience or complacency. Remember: Real change begins at home. Let’s start by:

1. Reflecting on our own behavior and leading by example.

2. Fostering open communication and mutual understanding.

3. Creating a balanced, fulfilling lifestyle for the entire family. 

Our children’s future depends on the choices we make today. Let’s act now to break the cycle of addiction, protect their well-being, and create a healthier, happier tomorrow.

************ 

*Suresh Khaitan is an advocate and a specialist in tax law. He has previously served as the Director of the Delhi Stock Exchange and has taught at a commerce college. Currently, he resides in Tinsukia, Assam.

 

 

 



We are trying to create a platform where our readers will find a place to have their say on the subjects ranging from socio-political to culture and society. We do have our own views on politics and society but we expect friends from all shades-from moderate left to moderate right-to join the conversation. However, our only expectation would be that our contributors should have an abiding faith in the Constitution and in its basic tenets like freedom of speech, secularism and equality. We hope that this platform will continue to evolve and will help us understand the challenges of our fast changing times better and our role in these times.

About us | Privacy Policy | Legal Disclaimer | Contact us | Advertise with us

Copyright © All Rights Reserved With

RaagDelhi: देश, समाज, संस्कृति और कला पर विचारों की संगत

Best viewed in 1366*768 screen resolution
Designed & Developed by Mediabharti Web Solutions