Tamil Nadu student survey on online gaming addiction to guide policy decisions

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The Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority, Chennai, has conducted a survey among school and college students to gather data on online gaming addiction and develop policies to address the issue, according to M C Sarangan, a member of the authority.

As reported by Times of India, more than 200 students from various schools and colleges participated in an awareness programme on online gaming addiction at Velammal College of Engineering and Technology on Wednesday. The event was presided over by Madurai City Police Commissioner J Loganathan and attended by Madurai Superintendent of Police B K Arvind, along with other officials.

Speaking to The Times of India, Sarangan noted the increase in mobile gaming, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic, with most young users engaging in gaming through their mobile phones. “We surveyed 1.25 lakh students and 17,000 teachers across Tamil Nadu. The findings, which will be published soon, will reveal insights into gaming habits, screen time, in-game purchases, and parental responses. This data will help shape policies to address addiction,” he stated.

Sarangan also mentioned the legal actions being taken against illegal online gambling platforms. Companies found targeting children with online gambling face penalties, ranging from 3 to 10 years of imprisonment. Additionally, the authority has a technical team working to identify and block such gambling websites.

To address gaming addiction, the state government has established rehabilitation centres in government hospitals across all districts. Sarangan highlighted the importance of promoting sports and physical activities among children and increasing awareness about gaming addiction through expert-led programmes. “We are conducting awareness programmes like this one in Madurai to educate students on how technology and algorithms are used to encourage gaming addiction. Mental health experts are also involved in addressing related issues,” he added.

During the event, teachers and students suggested integrating digital awareness on gaming addiction into school and college curricula. They also recommended appointing professional counsellors in educational institutions to support students struggling with gaming addiction.

The survey results are expected to provide insights into the online gaming habits of students, helping policymakers take steps to protect young users from potential harm.

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