Effect of PUBG on mental health of children: Shocking incident from Rajasthan’s Alwar

Alwar, Rajasthan: The impact of online games like PUBG and Free Fire on children is a growing concern. A recent incident in Alwar highlights the potential dangers associated with these games. A 15-year-old boy, who had been playing PUBG and Free Fire for the past six months, experienced severe mental and physical health problems. His condition deteriorated to such an extent that he was unable to maintain his composure and his motor skills were affected. Despite several attempts at treatment, no improvement was observed, following which his family admitted him to the Alwar Intellectual Disability Residential School, where efforts are being made to restore his mental well-being.

dark side of the game

The most important aspect of this game is that no player wants to lose. If they lose, they often find it difficult to accept defeat and may take extreme steps, such as contemplating suicide or experiencing a decline in mental health. The boy also met the same fate in Alwar. His father, Babbar Singh, a rickshaw puller in the city, said his son lived with children in the neighborhood. It is not clear when he became addicted to the game. At Holi, his eyes began to wander and he began to feel involuntary movements in his hands and feet. Despite taking medical treatment no improvement was observed.

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addiction and consequences

The boy’s mother, Lakshmi, reveals that a neighbor had given her a mobile phone for educational purposes. However, the boy started using the phone excessively, connecting to nearby Wi-Fi networks and playing games incessantly. The family was unaware of this behaviour. When he heard from the neighboring children that the game PUBG is known for its dangerous effects, they scolded him and took away the mobile phone. However, he would retrieve it and continue playing the game late into the night.

The addiction became so severe that he would wrap himself in blankets and play games on cold winter nights. His eyes got damaged during Holi. The family underwent treatment in Alwar and Jaipur and his eyes were successfully treated. However, he developed psychological problems and began attacking anyone around him. As a result, he was admitted to the Alwar Intellectual Disability Residential School.

need for awareness

The incident is a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with online gaming addiction, especially among children. It is important for parents and guardians to be vigilant, understand the impact of these games on the mental health of their children, and take appropriate measures to prevent addiction and reduce the associated risks. Education and awareness campaigns can play an important role in protecting the well-being of children and promoting responsible gaming practices.