MCI's response to PQ on Measures in Place to Manage Gaming Addiction among Youths

28 FEB 2024

Parliament Sitting on 28 February 2024

QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

17. Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong: To ask the Minister for Communications and Information (a) what policies or regulations are in place to manage the exposure of youths to potentially addictive gaming content; (b) whether the Ministry has any plans to deal with gaming addiction among youths; and (c) what preventive measures are being implemented to educate youths and their families about the risks of gaming addiction.

18. Mr Shawn Huang Wei Zhong: To ask the Minister for Communications and Information (a) whether the Ministry has current data on the prevalence of gaming addiction among youths in Singapore; and (b) how does the Ministry assess the impact of gaming addiction on the physical and mental health of youths.

Answer:  

  1. MCI’s focus is on encouraging healthy gaming habits amongst youths and ensuring age-appropriate access to online games. To these ends, we have worked with partners from the people, private and public (3P) sectors to support parents in guiding their children to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

  2. In schools, MOE’s Cyber Wellness education programme equips students with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves, support their peers and seek help when faced with issues of excessive internet use and gaming. The National Library Board’s (NLB) Source, Understand, Research and Evaluate (S.U.R.E) programme also provides useful resources and tips on positive online habits and responsible online gaming for parents and youth.

  3. The Digital for Life (DfL) portal now provides bite-sized resources including tips on healthy online gaming habits. MCI, MOE and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) are also working on a Parents’ Toolbox to equip parents with practical strategies to support children’s well-being and their digital journey. The Toolbox will be launched in phases from 2024.

  4. Beyond these public education initiatives, MCI and IMDA are working to strengthen our regulatory levers to address concerns over harmful content on mobile apps, including gaming apps, with the introduction of a new Code of Practice for App Distribution Services (ADSs). The new Code will require designated ADSs, which may include Google Play and Apple App Store, to put in place systems and processes to mitigate users’ exposure to harmful apps.

  5. Gaming addiction, also known as gaming disorder or Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), is a medical diagnosis associated with behaviors serious enough to result in significant impairment in one's personal and social lives. MCI does not have data on gaming addiction, which requires medical diagnosis.

  6. Parents who suspect that that their child may have IGD should seek help from their family doctors and public healthcare institutions such as the National Addiction Management Service (NAMS) for their child to be assessed on the severity of their condition and determine suitable interventions. Alternatively, they may approach community partners such as TOUCH Community Services, which runs counselling and intervention programmes for youths who may be exposed to excessive gaming and device use.