PUBG problem: Pune-based counsellor says parental policing needed to curb addiction

An incident which happened on March 15 in Nashik, has shaken parents of young adults to the core. A 14-year-old boy, Akash Oswal from Satpur area attempted suicide when his mother stopped him from playing the online game PUBG. Though the student is stable, the incident brings to light his addiction to the game. In a similar incident, two college students, Nagesh Gore, 22 and Swapnil Annapurne, 24 of, both from Hingoli lost their lives. The duo were sitting on the railway tracks and were so engrossed in the game that they did not see the train coming. The craze for online games among children and young adults has increased, say parents. With annual examinations approaching, the craze is sure to affect the academic performance, they say.

“It is difficult to handle our wards who like these online games. I have two sons. One is in college and another is in Class 6. Even though I tell them not to play PUBG and prepare for the exams, they don’t listen and have become an addict to the game. I am worried that their marks will get affected,” said Archana Somawanshi, parent.

Bipin Gandhi, father of a 5-year-old girl, said that his daughter plays games on mobile phones and watches videos.

“Addiction to mobile games has become an issue and I see many young adults playing PUBG in groups. The state of Gujarat has banned this game. Why can’t Maharashtra do the same?,” he said.

Talking about the addiction, Dr Anjali Chaudhari, child counsellor and parenting coach said, “ The number of cases related to mobile addiction is certainly on the rise. Mobile addiction is the biggest challenge of parenting in the modern era. Parents need to be held responsible as they give mobile phone to their wards. Parents show recognise signs of addictions in children. These include continuous playing, neglecting family members, academics affected, bad personal hygiene and dry eyes. Parents should keenly monitor the use of mobile by their kids. Teenagers need emotional support and they look for the same in the virtual world. Parents should guide their wards. Talking to them freely will help.”

Ramesh Patil, a counsellor appointed for the HSC and SSC students by the state government said, “There are various reasons as to why students get attracted towards mobile games. Parents don’t encourage sporting activities for their children. If a child is sent for sports training right from his childhood then they develop interest for outdoor games and this will wade them away from the virtual world. I think parents, teachers and government authorities must come together and work to bring out a suitable solution for mobile addiction in young adults. “

Gaurav Alekar, a B Com final year student from Ness Wadia College said, “We have a group of 5 friends and daily we play PUBG in the evening, sometimes it goes till midnight. We love the game but yes it has now became an addiction for most of us. One of my friend is so addicted that he has bought an additional smart phone just to play this game and plays it more than 10 to 12 hours a day. Also, a lot of money is spend for mobile data recharge as PUBG requires better internet connectivity.”