Children addicted to gaming show signs of loss of control

Jakarta – A psychiatrist specialising in addiction disorders has highlighted warning signs that children may be suffering from gaming and device addiction, with loss of control being a primary indicator.

Dr Kristiana Siste Kurniasanti, a subspecialist psychiatrist in addiction psychiatry, explained that gaming and device addiction involve a loss of control over usage. “Children wake up and immediately play games, and refuse to sleep because they want to keep playing,” she said in an exclusive interview with ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The head of the psychiatry department at Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central General Hospital noted that addictive gaming behaviour continues even when it produces harmful consequences.

Kristiana cited a case where a child stole money from his parents to buy games, yet continued playing despite causing financial loss to the family. “Gaming becomes their priority – they are addicted,” she stated.

The psychiatrist emphasised the importance of parental awareness, as some people still believe gaming addiction is less serious than drug addiction. However, both have similar effects on the brain, social relationships, and physical health.

Children with gaming addiction often do not recognise their condition. Gaming is perceived as enjoyable and serves as an escape from daily life, whilst also providing a space for children to develop their desired identity through avatar characters in games, making it difficult for them to stop.

Kristiana advised parents to seek professional help if they notice signs of gaming addiction in their children. “Parents need to help and seek professional support because children may not realise they are addicted. It is difficult to help them understand that this is addiction because gaming is so enjoyable for them,” she said.