Emerging Trends in Gaming Addiction Among Australian Primary School Children

A recent study conducted by researchers at Macquarie University has revealed alarming trends regarding gaming addiction among Australian children, indicating that children as young as ten are exhibiting signs of clinical-level Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). The research, which surveyed nearly 2,000 students from Years 4 to 8, found that approximately 4% of these children displayed symptoms consistent with IGD, while an additional 10% are at moderate to high risk of smartphone addiction. This study, published in the journal *Current Psychology* in June 2025, highlights a significant shift in understanding the onset of gaming addiction, challenging previous assumptions that such disorders primarily affect teenagers.

The findings indicate that Australian children are spending an average of 6.34 hours per day on screens during primary school, a sharp increase from pre-COVID figures, where the average was 4.24 hours. Secondary school students reported even higher averages, with approximately 9.03 hours of screen time each day. According to Brad Marshall, the lead researcher and psychologist at Macquarie University's School of Psychological Sciences, these figures are conservative, as many children may underreport their screen time usage due to concerns about parental monitoring.

"This study is the outcome of real-world research," Marshall stated. "Most work on screen use disorders in children has focused on older adolescents, but we know these issues are beginning earlier than previously thought."

The research methodology involved a comprehensive questionnaire measuring various developmental impacts across educational, emotional, behavioral, and social/physical domains. The results were telling: children exhibiting clinical gaming disorders showed developmental impacts four times greater than those without such issues, particularly in social and emotional development. About 50% of Year 4 students report owning smartphones, a stark contrast to previous generations where phones were typically given at high school entry.

Commenting on the implications of these findings, Professor Wayne Warburton, a co-author of the study and an expert in media psychology, emphasized the critical need for early intervention. "All evidence suggests that earlier interventions will be more effective, particularly for children with known risk factors who struggle with behavioral management."

The study’s implications extend to public policy discussions regarding screen time regulations. Marshall pointed out that current governmental focus on social media restrictions for children under 16 does not adequately address the broader issue of gaming addiction. "The developmental impacts of gaming on children far exceed those of social media," he argued, underscoring the need for comprehensive treatment and prevention strategies.

Currently, Australia has only one publicly funded treatment facility for screen use disorders, located in Western Australia, and lacks school-based prevention programs or outpatient services. The researchers advocate for increased parent education and school initiatives aimed at managing screen time effectively, particularly during formative years.

In conclusion, the study by Macquarie University sheds light on the rising prevalence of gaming addiction among younger children and underscores the urgent need for policy changes and preventative measures. As children increasingly engage with digital media, addressing these issues early may help mitigate long-term developmental impacts and promote healthier screen habits among future generations.