Massive rise in use of gadgets, screen time among children worrying, say experts

Psychiatrist warn about a growing addiction to smart devices and Internet gaming affecting children and adolescents, that is increasing during the lockdown. – 123rf

A worrying "side effect” of the ongoing movement control is the growing addiction to smart devices among children and adolescents.

Although there is a lack of data as no studies have been carried out on this issue in Malaysia, psychiatrists are seeing more cases of young patients who are hooked on gadgets such as smartphones, tablets and computers and manifesting signs of Internet gaming addiction (IGA) or Internet gaming disorder, and anxiety disorder comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD).