In recent years, the problem of children and teenagers being addicted to online games has become increasingly serious. Since 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified &ldquoInternet Gaming Disorder&rdquo as a mental health condition. The Taipei City Department of Health reminds parents that if children exhibit uncontrolled gaming behavior that disrupts daily routines and social interaction, they should consider the possibility of internet gaming addiction and seek early intervention.

According to a study by the National Health Research Institutes using the globally recognized Internet Gaming Disorder Scale, 8,110 children and adolescents in Taiwan were surveyed, and the addiction rate was found to be 3.1%, slightly higher than the Western average of 1%. Dr. Yu-Hsuan Lin, psychiatrist at NTU Hospital, emphasized that diagnosis is not based on gaming duration but whether the behavior causes functional impairments in daily life.

WHO defines Internet Gaming Disorder using three key indicators:

• An uncontrollable urge to play online games.
• Prioritizing online games over other daily activities.
• Continued gaming despite knowing it negatively impacts one&rsquos health, family, school, or work.
  
  

If these conditions persist for at least 12 months, it may meet the criteria for addiction.

Dr. Lin pointed out that children immersed in virtual worlds often do so due to unmet needs in real life, such as family tension or academic frustration. He advises that parents should not only restrict gaming time but also enhance positive experiences in real life to restore balance.

Dr. Chun-Hung Pan of Songde Branch, Taipei City Hospital, added that internet addiction is often accompanied by ADHD, depression, and anxiety. Cutting internet access forcefully may trigger conflict or even violence. Parents should avoid emotional outbursts and seek professional help when needed.

The hospital has set up a special outpatient clinic for children and adolescents with gaming addiction. Seeking treatment is not stigmatizing but a key step in helping families return to normalcy.

The Department of Health urges parents to monitor children's online use and replace blame with support. The city provides resources, including 114 medical and counseling institutions (https://reurl.cc/K82yMM), and offers self-assessment tools and hotlines on the Community Mental Health Center website (https://mental-health.gov.taipei/) or at (02) 3393-7885.QR code for Community Mental Health Center (Image source: Taipei City Government website)