Expert to address addictive nature of online gaming in Tauranga

The free event Gaming - What's The Fuss? is at Tauranga Boys' College on September 26. Photo/File

Concerns over the addictive nature of online gaming and its effects will be addressed by a national expert at a free event in Tauranga.

One of New Zealand's leading experts on gaming addiction, psychotherapist James Driver, will host Gaming - What's The Fuss? at Tauranga Boys' College on September 26.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board registered social worker Caleb Putt, who is part of the organising committee, said the event is a chance for parents to hear some reasoned discussion on an emotional topic.

"There is an issue, and we need to increase people's awareness and knowledge so they can make some informed decisions," Putt said.

"Just because gaming is causing problems doesn't necessarily mean the person concerned is a problem gamer."

Putt said tiredness and mood changes could be a problem, but it does not define a child as a problem gamer.

"There's an important distinction. A problem gamer is someone who is having issues with a combination of things: sleep, school, face-to-face interaction with friends, missing out on other activities, and home life."

Putt said gaming could be a positive activity and a way for a young person to connect with others, achieve goals and feel good at something.

"However, if they are primarily getting these important needs met from gaming and nowhere else, such as a sense of achievement, a sense of belonging to a community (social contact) and a sense of identity, then this can lead to a problem," he said.

The Bay of Plenty DHB's youth alcohol and drugs service, Sorted, developed a pathway to support youth and parents with concerns about gaming a year ago.
Putt believed it was the only DHB in the country to do so.

"We are receiving more referrals as a service as time goes on, but the reason for that is not necessarily that the problem is getting any worse," he said.

"Firstly, we only set the service up last July and, secondly, the issue is becoming more widely known."

Recent media attention had focused on the multi-player, last-man-standing fight game, Fortnite, which had become a global phenomenon.

Putt said there was a psychology behind games like Fortnite.

"Games try to engage you on a couple of levels, to hook you into spending more and more time on them, and into spending money," he said.

"For most this won't be an issue or might cause some arguments at times, but for a few, there can be real problems with real consequences."

He hoped the free event next week would help the community to understand the difference between the two.

For more information, call Sorted on 07 557 5052 or email sorted@bopdhb.govt.nz

GAMING - WHAT'S THE FUSS?
What: One of New Zealand's leading experts on gaming addiction is coming to Tauranga.
When: September 26, 7pm to 8.30pm
Where: The Graham Young Youth Theatre - Tauranga Boys' College
Cost: Free