Prevention and policy related to Internet Gaming Disorder

Abstract

Purpose of Review Recent international developments in policy and prevention for disordered or hazardous gaming are summarized. The regional scope included the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, China, Japan, and South Korea. Recent Findings Many recent prevention studies have trialled school-based programs to train healthier Internet and gaming use habits in adolescents. Such programs aim to promote critical reflection of gaming among players. At a policy level, much of the focus of prevention strategies have been upon the recognition of gaming-related harm, with countries such as South Korea cited as a representative example of these approaches. Summary Although East Asian countries had led recent efforts to test and implement prevention measures for problematic gaming, further research is needed to identify the most efficacious strategies for preventing disordered gaming across diverse populations. Meaningful advances will rely upon engagement of all stakeholders, including the gaming industry where appropriate, working collaboratively to develop practical, ethical, and sustainable countermeasures.