By Shubhangi Banesh Borker
CANACONA: The rise of online gaming is emerging as a serious concern for children across Goa, with experts warning of its impact on academics, health, and family life.
According to Shubhangi Babesh Borkar, an English teacher at a Government Primary School, children as young as five are spending hours on mobile phones, tablets, and laptops playing games such as Subway Surfer, PUBG, and Free Fire. What starts as casual entertainment is increasingly affecting concentration, memory retention, and classroom participation, she said.
“Research shows that more than two hours of screen-based gaming per day can significantly impact a child’s focus,” Borkar noted. Teachers across the state have observed declines in students’ attention spans and engagement in school activities.
Health experts also warn of physical and mental consequences. Excessive gaming can cause eye strain, headaches, poor posture, disrupted sleep, and even childhood obesity. Violent or highly competitive games may trigger aggression, irritability, and anxiety, while some children experience withdrawal symptoms when devices are taken away.
Borkar highlighted social implications as well. “Late-night gaming disrupts basic discipline and reduces family interactions. Face-to-face communication and outdoor play are being replaced by solitary hours in front of screens,” she said.
Financial and cyber-safety risks further complicate the issue. Many games encourage in-app purchases and virtual currency, leading to accidental spending, exposure to scams, and online interactions with strangers that could be unsafe.
Borkar urged government action, recommending state-wide awareness campaigns, strict age-based regulations on violent games, support programs for families, and promotion of alternative recreational activities such as sports, art, and nature-based engagement.
“Protecting young minds today will ensure a healthier, more disciplined, and culturally grounded generation tomorrow,” she said, calling on the government to prioritize child well-being over digital profits.
