Gaming pegged as causative factor in childhood depression

It may seem that excessive gaming could be a symptom of depression or anxiety in children, but it turns out that the practice could actually trigger or exacerbate the issues in some kids.

A study recently published in the medical journal Pediatrics of 3,000 kids in Singapore indicates that children classed as “hardcore gamers,” nearly 10% of those studied, were at higher risk of the symptoms and even showed a tendency toward “long-term mental illness.” Per the report:

“Greater amounts of gaming, lower social competence, and greater impulsivity seemed to act as risk factors for becoming pathological gamers, whereas depression, anxiety, social phobias, and lower school performance seemed to act as outcomes of pathological gaming.”

The study reported that children who participated became more depressed and angry in relation to their time spent playing video games. Excessive gaming was described in the study as 31 hours or more a week of playing video games, and at the study’s conclusion, around 84% of the “hardcore gamers” continued to compulsively engage in the behavior.

In a statement, the Entertainment Software Association downplayed the study’s findings.

“There simply is no concrete evidence that computer and video games cause harm. In fact, a wide body of research has shown the many ways games are being used to improve our lives through education, health and business applications.”

The American Association of Pediatrics recommends a maximum amount of gameplay of one hour for elementary and school aged children, and two for high school kids.