Early Onset of Gaming Disorder and Screen Addiction in Young Children Revealed by New Research

Recent research highlights a concerning trend: children as young as 10 years old are showing signs of gaming disorder, with some exhibiting behavioral addiction to screens. A comprehensive study conducted by Macquarie University surveyed nearly 2,000 students across Years 4 to 8 and found that approximately 4% of children displayed clinical or sub-clinical levels of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Interestingly, this rate did not significantly differ between primary and secondary school students.

The investigation revealed that Australian children are spending up to nine hours daily on screens, a stark increase from pre-pandemic data. The average screen time for secondary students was around 9 hours per day, while primary school students averaged about 6.3 hours. Notably, some students attempted to hide their screen usage by providing fake parental contact details, indicating a potential awareness of concerns among families.

Children showing signs of gaming disorder exhibit behaviors such as prioritizing gaming over other activities, experiencing withdrawal symptoms without gaming, and struggling to control their gaming habits. Additionally, about 10% of students are at moderate to high risk of smartphone addiction.

This research challenges previous assumptions that problematic gaming primarily affects teenagers. Lead researcher Brad Marshall emphasizes that issues start much earlier, with implications for early intervention. Developmental impacts are significant, with children experiencing decreased social and emotional functioning and reduced participation in physical activities. The study also identified that about half of Year 4 students own smartphones, a considerable shift from past generations.

The findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies, including parental education and school-based programs. Experts like Professor Wayne Warburton suggest early intervention is crucial, especially for children with behavioral management challenges or those using screens as a coping mechanism.

Currently, Australia has limited treatment facilities for screen use disorders, with the existing program focusing mainly on Western Australia. Researchers advocate for a broader approach, emphasizing early prevention and comprehensive support for affected children and their families.

Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-gaming-addiction-primary-school-screen.html]