We must not stigmatize children and young people warns Media Authority.
World Health Organization (WHO) added this week to "game addiction" in the list of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Issues (ICD)
We must not stigmatize children and young people warns Media Authority.
World Health Organization (WHO) added this week to "game addiction" in the list of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Issues (ICD)
Defined about a disease
"Game addiction is characterized by a pattern of persistent or recurring game behavior that may be online or offline," says ICD-11, which deals with the disease.
WHO states that game behavior and other behavior should normally be clear for a period of 12 months in order to diagnose, but that the period may also be shorter if the requirements for diagnosing have been met.
Warns against stigmatization
In the Children and Media survey 2018, conducted by the Media Authority, it appears that 96 percent of boys and 63 percent of girls aged 9-18 play games. It includes PC, console, mobile and tablet.
Media Authority said in a press release that they are positive that the WHO has classified certain types of computer game addiction as a disease. At the same time, the audit warns against stigmatization of children and young people who play.
"That computer game addiction is now considered to be a mental disorder can be a useful clarification for both affected, treating and relatives because it can make it easier to get help. At the same time, it is important to be aware that based on the criteria set by the WHO, there will be a fairly high threshold for such diagnosis, "said Mari Velsand, Director of Media Authority, in the press release.
She adds:
- The definition of computer game addiction should be reserved for persons who have been diagnosed and diagnosed, to avoid unnecessary stigmatization of children and young people who spend time on computer games without it being considered an addiction problem.
The audit is working with the Norwegian Lottery Authority and other actors for a new action plan against gaming problems.
"The aim of the plan is to convey knowledge about both positive and negative aspects of computer games, and to develop preventive measures where deemed necessary," writes Media Media Authority in the press release.