TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Prolonged video game use can increase the risk of obesity and mental health problems among children and adolescents, according to Heru Subekti, an Indonesian associate professor of nursing at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta.
Heru’s warning aligns with findings from a recent study by Curtin University in Australia, which examined gaming habits among 317 students from five universities, with an average age of 20.
“Playing games for more than 10 hours per week, whether on a computer or a mobile phone, is associated with sleep disturbances, a sedentary lifestyle, and a higher risk of obesity,” Heru said in a written statement on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Why Gaming Can Become Addictive
According to Heru, excessive gaming can trigger addiction through the release of dopamine, a hormone linked to pleasure and reward. This chemical response encourages players to keep playing, potentially leading to addictive behavior over time.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized this condition as internet gaming disorder, classifying it as a mental health issue when gaming behavior becomes compulsive and disrupts daily life.
The Health Risks Linked to Heavy Gaming
The Curtin University study grouped participants based on weekly gaming duration: up to five hours, five to 10 hours, and more than 10 hours.
The results showed that those who played for more than 10 hours a week experienced the most significant decline in both physical and mental health.
Beyond mental health concerns, excessive gaming was also linked to physical problems. Repetitive mouse use can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, causing numbness or pain in the fingers.
Prolonged screen use with a bent neck posture can result in “text neck syndrome,” which causes neck pain and, in severe cases, may affect the spine.
“When the neck is bent for long periods, the load on the muscles increases, leading to pain and discomfort,” Heru explained.
Excessive gaming can also affect social development. Children and adolescents who spend too much time gaming may experience reduced social interaction, strained family relationships, and declining academic performance.
“Friendships can suffer, communication with parents may worsen, and even spiritual well-being can be affected,” Heru said.
Finding a Healthier Balance
To reduce these risks, Heru recommends limiting gaming to no more than five hours per week. At this level, he said, gaming can still offer positive benefits, such as creativity and social bonding, without compromising health.
He also emphasized the importance of encouraging children and adolescents to engage in physical activity and more productive hobbies.
“Awareness needs to be raised, habits must change, and physical activity should be increased,” he said.
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