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Currently, Gaming Disorder has escalated into a major global problem. Recently, the World Health Organization declared it as one of the psychiatric disorders caused by addictive behavior. In the brain, it resembles substance addiction, becoming a significant obstacle to brain development, various developmental aspects, and changes in children&#8217;s behavior.
<h2>What causes children to develop gaming disorder?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Genetics</li>
<li>Children&#8217;s emotions that constantly seek new experiences</li>
<li>Child psychiatric disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)</li>
</ul>
All of these cause changes in the child&#8217;s brain. Initially, when children start playing games, especially those with intense and fast responses, the brain releases happiness chemicals, and the body responds by playing more. Later, the brain chooses to &#8220;attach&#8221; to familiar stimuli and reduces response to the same stimuli, which is why children addicted to games do not find other things enjoyable except games. They play more and more, creating an endless response cycle.
<h2>How to treat gaming disorder</h2>
Treatment requires continuous cooperation from parents, with doctors acting as consultants alongside medication. In some cases, treatment can only begin when both the child and parents recognize the importance of the problem together. Then, a plan is made to gradually stop playing games. Parents and children must create a schedule together specifying when and what games can be played. Importantly, children should be supervised by parents at all times while playing games.
Medication is necessary in cases where the child has other psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD or depression. Doctors will carefully plan medication use and gradually discontinue it as symptoms improve.
<h2>Prevention of gaming disorder in children should start with</h2>
<ul>
<li>Understanding that parents cannot completely &#8220;forbid&#8221; children from playing games</li>
<li>Parents should know their children&#8217;s games and play games with them occasionally</li>
<li>Encouraging activities that children enjoy, such as sports, arts, or music, continuously within family activities</li>
</ul>
<h2>3 Musts and 3 Must-Nots to help children avoid gaming addiction</h2>
3 Musts
<ol>
<li>Must control the time spent playing games appropriately</li>
<li>Must choose games that are non-violent and promote cognitive skill development</li>
<li>Must play together; parents and guardians should spend time playing games with their children to know what games they are playing</li>
</ol>
3 Must-Nots
<ol>
<li>Do not play in the bedroom, as it is a private space and may affect lifestyle and cause sleep deprivation</li>
<li>Do not play during family activities, such as while eating together</li>
<li>Do not set a bad example; parents and guardians should not be poor role models, such as constantly playing Facebook or using the internet on their phones</li>
</ol>
Solving the problem of gaming addiction in children is not the responsibility of one party alone but requires changes and adjustments from both children and parents, as well as people around them at home and school. Problems should ideally be addressed with mutual understanding, which is essential in all aspects of life together.
Especially for parents to prevent and solve their children&#8217;s gaming addiction, if you suspect your child is addicted or needs treatment, you can consult a child and adolescent psychiatrist for advice, diagnosis, and proper treatment when necessary.
&nbsp;
Dr. Rattanapoom Wattanapanyasakul 
Pediatric Specialist 
Child and Adolescent Health Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital

Recently, the World Health Organization has declared Gaming Disorder as one of the psychiatric disorders. Parents should pay attention if they find that their child has a gaming addiction, and if necessary, they should consult a doctor for proper treatment.

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Children addicted to games: A major problem that parents must pay attention to

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