Games Like PUBG, GTA, Fortnite Are Harmful For Children: Delhi Govt

Battle Royale games like PUBG and Fortnite have gained huge popularity in a very short time in India. These free-to-play mobile games continue to grow big simply because of their accessibility and addictive gameplay.

However, Indian parents and government bodies think that the addictive nature of these games is causing a negative effect on the mental health of children and severely affecting their studies.

The Delhi Commission For Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has requested the Directorate Of Education (DOE) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) schools to spread awareness and protect children from the harmful effects of games that are full of violent and sexual content.

Games like PUBG, Fortnite, Grand Theft Auto, God of War, Hitman, Plague Inc, and Pokemon are under Delhi Commission’s radar for being “full of misogyny, hate, deceit, and vengeance.”

The panel has also listed down signs and symptoms to look out for in children which could determine if they are affected from such games.

Advisory issued by @DCPCR to DOE and all MCD schools to be vigilant and protect their Children from Harmful effects of online games as well as sensitise Parents through SMC PTA PTM . @NCPCR_ pic.twitter.com/U2lMdfDJOI

— Ranjana (@RanjanaPrasad8) February 6, 2019

Symptoms like “Becoming withdrawn from friends and family, persistent low mood and unhappiness or sudden outbursts of anger directed at himself/herself” are being considered signs of game addiction.

Delhi Commission also doles out advice on how to protect children from such games like regularly checking in on their child to find out how they are doing and monitoring their activities.

This isn’t the first time when the government is targeting games. Recently, PUBG was banned in Gujarat primary schools by the state government, and there was another incident where a teenager committed suicide for not getting an expensive phone for playing PUBG.