Ghaziabad deaths renew focus on gaming addiction among children in Karnataka

The deaths of three minor sisters in Ghaziabad, following restrictions imposed by their parents on mobile phone usage, have prompted mental health professionals in Karnataka to reiterate concerns over excessive screen time, online gaming and the growing emotional distress among children and adolescents.

Experts said the incident has highlighted the need for closer scrutiny of digital consumption patterns among minors and early mental health interventions.

Doctors at NIMHANS said, “They are witnessing a steady rise in children seeking help for problematic technology and gaming use.”

Manoj Kumar Sharma, professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of the Service for Healthy Use of Technology (SHUT) Clinic at NIMHANS, said, “Gaming addiction among children is often linked to a combination of accessibility, persuasive game design and underlying emotional vulnerabilities.”

“Devices have become affordable and internet access is among the cheapest in the world. As a result, children across socio-economic backgrounds now own smartphones and have uninterrupted access to games,” Dr. Sharma told The Hindu. “Screens are ubiquitous and that allows children to use them even in classrooms, washrooms, in the bed, etc., which makes monitoring difficult.”

Dopamine trigger

Dr. Sharma pointed out that gaming platforms are designed to be immersive, with constant reward systems that encourage prolonged engagement. “These design features trigger dopamine release and create a sense of achievement and belonging that some children may not experience in the offline world. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable as their impulse control and inhibitory systems are still developing,” he said.

Quoting data from a 2022 NIMHANS study, Dr. Sharma said that technology addiction was emerging as a public health concern. “Our study estimated the prevalence of technology addiction in the State at 10.69%, with mobile phone addiction accounting for 8.91% and gaming addiction 2.55%. Risk factors include loneliness, academic decline, impulsivity, poor coping skills and lack of social support,” he said.

Emotional escape

Children with existing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are at a higher risk. “Gaming often becomes a form of emotional escape rather than entertainment. In such cases, restricting screen time alone will not address the problem unless the underlying distress is identified and managed,” he said.

Murali Krishna, consultant in Psychiatry and Counselling Services at Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru, said, “Excessive gaming can affect emotional regulation and overall development.”

“Children who spend long hours gaming may show irritability and impatience when asked to stop. The constant stimulation conditions the brain to seek quick rewards, making routine activities less engaging,” he said.

He added that online interactions often replace face-to-face relationships, limiting opportunities to develop communication and emotional skills. “Sleep disruption due to late-night gaming further affects mood, concentration and emotional resilience,” Dr. Krishna said.

Warning signs

Vinodh Sreeram, senior psychiatrist at Maarga Mind Care, said the incident reflects a wider rise in youth mental health concerns. “Isolation, excessive technology use and sudden behavioural changes must be treated as warning signs,” he said, stressing the need for early intervention.

“Loneliness, anxiety and depression are increasingly seen among children who rely on virtual spaces for emotional support. Communication within families, digital responsibility and timely mental health support can be lifesaving,” Dr. Sreeram said.

All the experts emphasised that the family environment plays a critical role in moderating screen use. Dr. Sharma said inconsistent screen rules and high parental screen use often contribute to conflicts and excessive gaming among children.

“Parents should watch for signs such as craving, loss of control, compulsive gaming and academic or social decline. Early help can prevent long-term consequences,” he added.

Published – February 05, 2026 09:09 pm IST