History of Gaming - Is Gaming Harmful?

The Context
In 2018, the World Health Organisation officially listed ‘gaming disorder’ as an illness. It is defined
as a pattern of behaviour where gaming becomes a priority over all other activities and that a person
continues to play games despite any consequences it may have on a person’s health.

Spending a few hours in front of a game or enjoying games normally isn’t a sign of the condition.
Symptoms of the disorder include avoiding leaving the house, neglecting dietary and sanitary needs
as well as having a negative impact on family/social lives over a period of
12 months.

The NHS have begun offering services to help young people affected by the
disorder, including video chat support sessions after a doctor’s referral.

Consider: Do you think gaming disorder is a serious illness

that people may need help with?

Gaming disorder simply sounds like poor

Gaming disorder is a serious problem that
is growing as the shape of gaming changes.
Many games are online-only or rely heavily
on multiplayer, meaning that simply putting a
controller down and stopping becomes difficult.
Many aspects of these games are addictive by
design to keep a person playing and those
seriously affected need help.
parenting to me – you sit your child in front
of a game to keep them quiet and wonder
why they’re unhappy when you ask them
to stop. Simply limit their screen time and
put restrictions on devices so they can’t be
played at certain times. If they complain,
take their devices away.

Video games are great for children. They provide them with
so many opportunities to express themselves creatively, learn
problem-solving skills and socialise with others. Plus, they
really enjoy themselves and I prefer that they are actively
engaged in doing something rather than passively watching
television. I played video games all the time as a child and I
don’t see any issue with it.

Who do you agree with? Why?



Page 1 of 6 visit twinkl.com

 History of Gaming - Is Gaming Harmful?

Scenario
Ashima loves playing games and until recently, she has also enjoyed going out with friends, shopping
and being involved with various Home Education clubs. However, a recent update to a game she often
plays has seen her playing it for longer and longer hours every day. As soon as she gets up in the
morning, she is online and playing the game. Sometimes, she forgets to eat meals that her parents
provide for her and she often loses track of time – sometimes not sleeping until the early hours of
the morning.

She is also avoiding going outside because of her gaming, she is no longer concentrating on learning
activities or participating in social groups. She knows she’s probably playing the game too much but
she finds it hard to put it down and do anything else.

What advice would you give to Ashima in this situation?

Page 2 of 6 visit twinkl.com

 History of Gaming - Is Gaming Harmful?

Personal Response

• Do you think that gaming addiction is becoming a serious issue?

• What can be done to stop it?

• Is it the responsibility of parents to stop young people from becoming

addicted or should game designers and publishers take responsibility to
help those who become addicted?

Write down your own thoughts, using your personal opinions and answers to
the previous activities to inform your ideas.

Page 3 of 6 visit twinkl.com

 History of Gaming - Is Gaming Harmful?

Independent Research

Use the Internet and books to conduct some independent research about the effects of video gaming.
Record your findings below. Include some quotations from credible sources - for example, health
experts - to support your arguments.

Negative Effects of Video Gaming Positive Effects of Video Gaming

Page 4 of 6 visit twinkl.com

 History of Gaming - Is Gaming Harmful?

Numbers and statistics always help to create a more persuasive argument when used to support your
points. List some official statistics here:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

The Big Question: Is Gaming Harmful?

Prepare a speech in answer to the question: Is Gaming Harmful? Consider the pros and cons of video
gaming that you have researched and include your personal feelings about gaming. Write a persuasive
argument to convince others to agree with you.

Page 5 of 6 visit twinkl.com

 History of Gaming - Is Gaming Harmful?

Debate

Find someone to present your speech to. Did you persuade them to agree with you? Have a discussion
about their views following your speech and make a note of their counter-arguments below.
Can you find any research to refute (argue against) them further?

The nature of this resource requires independent, child-led research. It is advisable to use only pre-selected,
child-appropriate sources of information and websites that are appropriate to their age. Please also be aware that
there may be aspects of a topic or individual’s life which may be controversial or upsetting to some. Due to this,
we highly recommend that you carefully consider all research activities before undertaking them with children.

Page 6 of 6 visit twinkl.com