New Delhi [India], November 10 (ANI): The rapid growth of the online gaming industry has heightened exposure among children and raised serious concerns about addiction, exploitation, and health risks, according to a new report by CyberPeace.
The report emphasized that systematic policy intervention is essential to safeguard children from the increasing risks associated with online gaming. It warned that early exposure can negatively impact children’s physical, emotional, and developmental well-being, echoing concerns shared by researchers, educators, and mental health professionals.
“The negative impact of early exposure to online gaming on young children is increasingly becoming a topic of concern,” the report stated.
Citing scientific studies, the report noted that prolonged gaming is linked to various health issues. The PEACH project (Personal and Environmental Associations with Children’s Health), a long-term observational study, found that children with higher screen time tended to have higher body mass index (BMI) and were more likely to be overweight. Excessive gaming, it added, promotes a sedentary lifestyle that leads to obesity and related health problems.
Teenagers who spend more time playing video games face a higher risk of developing obesity due to reduced physical activity. The growing number of young people being treated for obesity-related conditions has also been partially attributed to prolonged gaming. In addition, continuous use of controllers or keyboards can lead to repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
The report further noted that the addictive nature of online gaming can disrupt sleep patterns and has been associated with cardiovascular problems. Its mental health effects extend beyond isolation and social withdrawal, posing deeper emotional and psychological challenges for children and adolescents.
To mitigate these risks, CyberPeace recommended a series of regulatory and policy actions. It called for the establishment of a clear and standardized methodology for age verification, pointing out that while the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 mandates such checks, it lacks clarity on implementation.
The report also urged the introduction of content regulation guidelines covering themes such as violence, sexuality, and mature content, noting the absence of an Indian equivalent to the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system. It suggested that content ratings should include varying levels of intensity within categories such as violence, gore, and sexual material.
Additionally, CyberPeace proposed a “living legislation” framework that evolves alongside industry trends to ensure ongoing protection for minors. It recommended that all game content undergo legal vetting before release and that both developers and publishers be subject to uniform regulations centered on child safety and well-being. (ANI)
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