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There isn’t a single nationwide number, but Indian studies show internet/gaming disorder affects roughly 3%–11% of young people, with a much larger group at risk. For example, one 2024 Indian study found 7.2% had gaming disorder and 31.8% were “risky gamers.” Globally, prevalence is usually in the low single digits, and the WHO now recognizes Gaming Disorder in ICD-11, so screening and early help matter. If you’re in Mumbai and worried about a loved one’s gaming, Veda Rehabilitation & Wellness offers confidential assessments and therapy.
India has no single national prevalence figure yet, but multiple peer-reviewed studies give a clear picture. Among Indian college cohorts, researchers have reported about 5% with internet gaming disorder (IGD). In another campus sample, 7.2% met IGD criteria while nearly one-third (31.8%) were risky gamers (i.e., problematic patterns without full disorder). School-based studies show higher ranges: one adolescent study reported 10.6% IGD. A 2024 meta-analysis across countries found a pooled adolescent prevalence of ~8.6%, underscoring that rates vary by age group, tools used, and setting.
Why the wide range? Different studies use different screening scales and populations (school vs. college; metro vs. non-metro). Globally, pooled estimates often sit around ~2–3%, but Indian youth cohorts—especially in urban settings—tend to show higher risk due to smartphone access, competitive online play, and long daily screen time. The World Health Organization classifies Gaming Disorder in ICD-11, defined by impaired control, gaming taking priority over other activities, and continuing despite harm for at least 12 months (shorter if symptoms are severe).
Watch for persistent warning signs like loss of sleep, skipped classes/work, irritability when offline, and withdrawal from friends and sports. If several signs cluster for months, it’s worth a clinical screening. In Mumbai, Veda Rehabilitation & Wellness provides confidential evaluations, CBT-based therapy, family counselling, and digital-hygiene plans (screen schedules, sleep resets, and relapse-prevention). Early support helps most teens and young adults rebalance gaming without needing long inpatient care; where required, structured programs are available.
Gaming addiction in India is not rare as most estimates in youth samples fall between 3% and 11%, with a sizeable “at-risk” group. Early, compassionate help rather than blame leads to better outcomes. If you’re concerned, start with a gentle conversation and a professional screening; recovery often begins with that first step.
