Media

HKU survey reveals gaming addiction problem among Hong Kong upper primary students New website to offer information and prevention tips

16 Jun 2017

The Social and Health Psychology Laboratory of the Department of Psychology at the University of Hong Kong conducted a “Survey on the Gaming Habits among Hong Kong Upper Primary students” from March to May in 2017. A total of 2,006 Primary 4 to 6 students were surveyed. Results revealed that the problem of gaming addiction is prevalent among the students. Special attention should be paid to the high prevalence of exposure to violent video games reported by the respondents.

The phenomenon of gaming addiction has aroused concerns among medical and mental health professionals. The American Psychiatric Association, which possesses strong global influences in the medical profession, is advocating additional research into this condition and may possibly classify it as a formal mental problem in the future. Thus, apart from gambling addiction, gaming addiction may become the second mental problem classified under behavioral impulse control disorder.

The research team will hold a press conference on June 20 (Tuesday) to disseminate the survey findings.

In addition, the research team will give an account of the effectiveness of a Game Over Program (GOP) offered earlier at a number of local schools to assist parents of upper primary school students to handle children’s gaming problems. The team will also announce the launch of a new website to provide information on gaming addiction and preventive measures.

Details of the press conference are as follows:
Date: June 20, 2017 (Tuesday)
Time: 11am
Venue: Function Room,11/F, Jockey Club Tower, Centennial Campus, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam  

For media enquiries, please contact:
Department of Psychology, HKU
Ms Stella Tam
Project Coordinator
Tel: (852) 3917 4158
Email: stella23@hku.hk

Communications and Public Affairs Office, HKU
Ms Melanie Wan
Senior Manager (Media)
Tel:(852) 2859 2600
Email: melwkwan@hku.hk