Gaming addiction may trigger obesity and mental health problems in children, expert warns

Playing video games has become a common way for children and teenagers to unwind after school. However, excessive gaming can develop into addiction, potentially affecting both physical and mental health.

UGM mental health expert dr. Heru Subekti said gaming addiction carries a wide range of negative health consequences, from sleep problems to obesity and mental disorders. “When children or teenagers are already addicted, the symptoms are not limited to obesity. It becomes a disturbance to mental health. The WHO itself has stated that internet gaming disorder is a mental health issue,” he said in a written statement on Tuesday (Jan. 27, 2026).

Heru explained that many children and teenagers become addicted to gaming due to dopamine, a hormone associated with pleasure, which makes them feel happy while playing. That sense of enjoyment can push gaming duration to increase day by day.

“Those who initially play for only one hour can gradually increase it, and it keeps increasing. This is what later creates addiction symptoms in children or teenagers,” he said.

According to him, continuous gaming that involves prolonged mouse use can affect the wrist due to compressed nerves, a condition known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). The problem is commonly found among computer users who use a mouse for extended periods.

Another physical impact involves neck problems often referred to as Text Neck Syndrome. The condition is caused by non-ergonomic posture—typically bending the neck forward while looking at a screen, whether on a phone, monitor, or computer.

“When you bend your head forward, the load on the head effectively becomes heavier. If that happens for a long time, it creates a very large burden on the neck area,” he said.

Beyond health, gaming addiction can also lead to social problems. Heru noted that long gaming hours may reduce children’s and teenagers’ ability to interact socially in a healthy way. He attributed this to several factors, including low self-confidence, poor emotional responses linked to addiction, and disruptions to personal life.

“It causes problems in friendships, makes family relationships less harmonious, worsens communication with parents, and academic performance can decline significantly. Spirituality can also be affected,” Heru said.

He suggested that an ideal amount of time for gaming is about five hours per week. He said the limit is intended to help reduce risks to both physical and mental health. By keeping gaming to around five hours weekly, children and teenagers may maintain better sleep quality while still gaining some positive benefits.

“Gaming is not always negative, but it has a positive side when used properly, in the right amount, without overuse,” Heru said.

To address gaming addiction, Heru encouraged efforts to build awareness of the risks and harms of prolonged video game use. He said awareness can be strengthened through education and knowledge about the impacts of excessive gaming.

He also recommended replacing long gaming sessions with other enjoyable activities such as developing hobbies, exercising, and pursuing more productive routines. “So we improve cognition, build awareness, and change behavior—by providing more active activities,” Heru said.

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