Worry for young gamers who find it ‘impossible to unplug’

Young people are playing video games and using devices to the point of “physical exhaustion”, health authorities warn.

Health officials said parents should ensure children were not playing games for more than two hours a day.

Children who play for long hours may suffer behavioural problems, psychological disorders and muscle pain from sitting in uncomfortable positions for a long time, the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi said yesterday.

“Children have become so engrossed in using technology nowadays that it has become almost impossible to unplug completely,” said Dr Jamal Al Naqbi, manager of the community health department.

“It is essential to find the right balance between children’s use of technology, especially long and excessive hours of gaming, and more healthy and active pursuits.”

Dr Al Naqbi said there were positive effects with gaming because it involved strategic thinking and problem-solving, but that the negative consequences outweighed the gains.

“Back and wrist pain, eyestrain, headaches, stress, physical exhaustion, sleep disturbances and obesity are among the most common problems associated with prolonged game play,” Dr Al Naqbi said.

“Parents are role models who set an example for their children to develop better habits. They are responsible for limiting the hours their children spend using video games and encouraging young ones to engage in social and sports activities that nurture their mental and physical well-being.”

It has also been found that children who are addicted to video games are more prone to stress, such as eye strain from prolonged exposure to television or computer screens.

Video games are another factor behind child obesity, depression and poor academic performance.