--- title: "Gaming disorder: what the WHO definition really means for worried parents" url: https://ascendesport.ae/gaming-disorder-what-parents-should-know/ description: "Lots of gaming is not the same as a disorder. The three signs the WHO describes, and what to do if you're concerned." last_modified: 2026-04-14T09:00:00+04:00 site: "Ascend Esports" summary_for_agents: https://ascendesport.ae/llms.txt ---[Parents' Guide](https://ascendesport.ae/category/parents-guide/)# Gaming disorder: what the WHO definition really means for worried parentsLots of gaming is not the same as a disorder. The three signs the WHO describes, and what to do if you're concerned.![](https://ascendesport.ae/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hammer.png) **Ascend Esports team** 14 April 2026 · 2 min readShare [WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=Gaming%20disorder%3A%20what%20the%20WHO%20definition%20really%20means%20for%20worried%20parents%20https%3A%2F%2Fascendesport.ae%2Fgaming-disorder-what-parents-should-know%2F) [X](https://x.com/intent/post?text=Gaming%20disorder%3A%20what%20the%20WHO%20definition%20really%20means%20for%20worried%20parents&url=https%3A%2F%2Fascendesport.ae%2Fgaming-disorder-what-parents-should-know%2F) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fascendesport.ae%2Fgaming-disorder-what-parents-should-know%2F) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fascendesport.ae%2Fgaming-disorder-what-parents-should-know%2F)![A person holding a phone and playing a game](https://ascendesport.ae/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/gaming-disorder-what-parents-should-know.jpg)A person holding a phone and playing a gameIn 2019 the World Health Organization added **gaming disorder** to its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which came into effect in 2022. It made headlines, and it worried a lot of parents. The detail is more reassuring than the headlines.## The three signsThe WHO describes gaming disorder as a pattern of gaming with:1. **Impaired control** over gaming: when, how often, how long, and stopping 2. **Increasing priority** given to gaming, to the point that it takes precedence over other interests and daily activities 3. **Continuing or escalating** gaming despite negative consequencesFor a diagnosis, the behaviour has to cause **significant problems** in personal, family, social, educational or work life, and would normally be evident for **at least 12 months**.## What this meansThe WHO notes that gaming disorder affects only a **small proportion** of people who play. A child who loves Fortnite and plays a lot is not the same as a child whose life is falling apart around gaming.## If you're worried- **Talk with curiosity, not accusation.** Ask what they enjoy about the game. - **Look at the whole day.** Are sleep, school, friends and family time okay? - **Agree routines together** and stick to them calmly. - **Replace, don't just remove.** Structured, social play with breaks is healthier than solo marathons. - **Get help** if gaming is seriously harming sleep, school, mood or relationships: start with your child's doctor or a counsellor.If you're feeling worried or overwhelmed yourself, the UAE Mental Support Line is available on **800 4673**.## Sources- [Addictive behaviours: gaming disorder, World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/addictive-behaviours-gaming-disorder)![](https://ascendesport.ae/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hammer.png)Written by the Ascend Esports teamCoaches, game builders and wellness specialists at Ascend Esports, the esports division of Ascend Innovations in Mirdif, Dubai. 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