Gaming Addiction Has Been Classified As A Disease By The World Health Organization

The World Health Organization has officially declared Gaming Disorder (gaming addiction) as a mental health condition in its 11th International Classification of Diseases.

According to the draft document, gaming disorder happens when gaming takes “precedence over other life interests”. Symptoms include “impaired control over gaming”, “increased priority given to gaming”, and “continuation or escalation of gaming despite negative consequences” over a period of 12 months. The period may be shorten if the symptoms are severe.

If you’re a parent who is concerned on the length of time your child is playing the Nintendo Switch, you can monitor and set restrictions to their play time by downloading the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app for free. More details can be found on the official Parental Controls app website.