Introduction to Gaming Disorder
Wednesday afternoons have become a ritual for 15-year-old Sadmir Perviz, who visits Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth to play Dungeons & Dragons with others who share similar interests. Sadmir is one of 300 patients at the Gaming Disorder Clinic, Australia’s only public facility that helps patients overcome excessive online gaming habits.
The Clinic’s Approach
The clinic uses board games like Jenga, Uno, and Sushi Go as an alternative to online gaming. Sadmir, who previously spent ten hours a day playing online, finds this approach refreshing. "It feels completely different," he says. "You can roll a dice instead of clicking a button. You can interact with people so you actually know who’s there instead of just being on the phone with random people." Dr. Daniela Vecchio, the clinic’s founder, notes that while gaming itself is not bad, it can become a problem or even an addiction.
Concerns About Gaming Platforms
Gaming platforms and social media pose similar risks for children, including exposure to excessive amounts of time online, predators, harmful content, or bullying. Dr. Vecchio wonders why gaming platforms were not included in Australia’s ban on social media for under-16s. "It doesn’t make much sense," she says. "Gaming and social media are so closely linked that it is very difficult to separate them." The ban aims to prevent teenagers from having accounts on ten social media platforms, but gaming platforms were exempted.
The "Wild West of Internet Usage"
Former gaming clinic patient Kevin Koo, 35, recalls growing up in the "Wild West of internet usage" with no restrictions. He lost his job and became consumed by online gaming, comparing his experience to substance abuse. Dr. Vecchio agrees with the comparison and suggests that the social media ban should be extended to gaming platforms and raised to 18 years old. Gaming disorder is recognized as an official diagnosis by the World Health Organization, affecting around 2.8% of Australian children.
Regulation of Online Platforms
Tama Leaver, a professor of internet studies, says that banning social media is too broad a tool and that a more nuanced approach is needed, including towards gaming platforms. He notes that some games have positive applications, while others, like Roblox, pose concerns. Leaver suggests that age-appropriate regulation is necessary, and that the current legislation makes no sense. The Australian government says its ban is about protecting children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and online grooming.
A Treatment Plan, Not a Cure
The government has said it will continually review the list of banned platforms and has added Twitch, a streaming platform, to the list. Communications Minister Anika Wells says the social media ban is "not a cure, but a treatment plan" that will "always evolve." The demand for better platforms is growing, and families are waiting in line at the gaming disorder clinic to get help. Dr. Vecchio emphasizes that children must be protected from harm, and that the current legislation excludes platforms where children interact with many others, some of whom may cause them harm.
