Macquarie University’s latest study of nearly 2,000 students from Years 4–8 reveals startling data: around 4% meet clinical criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), while 10% are at risk of smartphone addiction. Many children reported spending up to nine hours daily on screens—exceeding healthy developmental limits.

Clinical-level cases included refusal to attend school, emotional distress during device removal, and interference in daily routines. Behavioural psychologist Dr Brad Marshall estimates 100,000 Australian children with clinical IGD and 350,000 at risk.

The findings challenge assumptions that gaming addiction emerges in adolescence. Children aged 10–11 are already at risk. Marshall recommends early intervention, including screenings in schools and routine pediatric visits, alongside parental involvement to set balanced screen habits and enforce offline engagement.

For policymakers and educators, the study suggests adopting frameworks that reflect digital disorder’s evolution. Support might include mental-health services, media literacy education, and ethical game design standards to reduce addictive elements.

This research signals a health warning: without timely action, digital dependency may begin younger and harder to reverse.

Macquarie University -> Read more here