Screen dependency disorder

The World Health Organisation officially classified video game addiction as a disorder at its World Health Assembly in Geneva (2019).

Whereas adult brains are more developed, children’s brains are susceptible to significant changes in structure and connectivity. There is growing evidence that young boys and girls are exhibiting addictive behavior through using smartphone apps, screen-based entertainment, learning programs and video games. Restricting "screen time” at home or school is also creating new mental health and behavioral problems in young kids: crying, physical damage, even threats of suicide. The concern is that this can stunt neural development in early life and lead to a screen dependency disorder.

1. Socially disruptive effects of video games
2. Meaningless recreation
3. Addiction

1. Spoilt children
2. Prolonged sitting
3. Mood disorders
4. Loneliness
5. Isolation
6. Insomnia
7. Headache
8. Digital dementia
9. Back pain
10. Apathy of youth
11. Anti-social behaviour

1. Uninvolved working parents
2. Permissive child-rearing
3. Lack of community responsibility
4. Boredom

1. Internet Addiction Disorder
2. What is Internet Addiction Disorder?
3. Screen Dependency Disorder: How Virtual Addiction Can Damage Your Child’s Brain
4. Gaming disorder
5. Can You be Addicted to the Internet?
6. Virtually addicted: why general practice must now confront screen dependency