In today’s tech-driven world, electronic games have become deeply embedded in children’s lives, offering amusement and interactive play. Yet, this surge in digital entertainment has raised red flags among health experts who warn of the growing risks associated with unchecked screen time.
To address this, the Ministry of Health has released an awareness bulletin outlining the harmful effects of excessive gaming while offering parents practical strategies to promote balanced, healthy habits.
One of the most alarming outcomes is gaming addiction, with children spending hours immersed in virtual worlds, often at the cost of social interaction and real-world skills. The Ministry notes that violent games in particular may lead to heightened aggression, sleep issues and psychological imbalance.
Physical consequences include eye strain, weight gain due to inactivity and musculoskeletal tension from poor posture. These concerns are not abstract — they are becoming common in clinics, according to Dr Mona Mohammed, a general practitioner.
Screen time guidelines
The bulletin recommends age-appropriate screen time:
Ages 2–5: Limit to one hour per day, ensuring content is educational.
Ages 6 and up: No more than two hours daily, with supervision on content quality.
To counterbalance screen exposure, the Ministry encourages activities like cycling, basketball, crafts, reading and outdoor exploration to foster cognitive and physical growth.
Dr Mona warns that electronic games are engineered to engage children’s reward centres, flooding the brain with dopamine. Over time, this can affect sleep, attention span and academic performance. “It’s not just about fun”, she said. “It’s about understanding the deeper neurological and behavioural impact these games can have”.
The Ministry emphasises that active parental participation plays a pivotal role. Setting time limits, co-playing, modelling balanced tech use and encouraging tech-free family time are all crucial steps in maintaining digital wellness.
It’s not just about fun. It’s about understanding the deeper neurological and behavioural impact these games can have
Dr Mona Mohammed
General practitioner
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