Hyderabad, June 24 (RAHNUMA): Hyderabad city police have issued a strong recommendation for parents to meticulously oversee their children’s engagement with online games. This advisory comes in response to a growing number of complaints concerning unauthorised in-game purchases and excessive playtime.
According to a statement released by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Wednesday, many reported cybercrime incidents, initially classified as online fraud, were actually instances where children utilised saved debit card details, UPI accounts, or net banking information stored on family devices to make purchases within multiplayer games. Investigations have indicated that a notable portion of these unauthorised transactions originated from smartphones belonging to grandparents, which frequently retain saved payment credentials and are subject to less stringent supervision.
The advisory highlighted that popular battle royale games, especially among boys aged 10 to 17, have become a central element of their social lives. Peer pressure within these gaming communities often drives the need to acquire premium virtual items like skins and elite passes. Furthermore, devices intended for online learning are increasingly being repurposed for extended gaming sessions, sometimes extending late into the night.
The police expressed significant concern regarding the detrimental effects of excessive gaming on children’s overall well-being. These impacts include disrupted sleep, a decline in academic performance, eye strain, diminished real-world social engagement, and behavioral problems.
The advisory also referenced the World Health Organisation’s recognition of Gaming Disorder as a legitimate medical condition, defined by a persistent inability to control gaming habits, even when faced with negative consequences.
In an effort to assist, the police department is offering support and awareness programmes for parents and educational institutions upon request.
Parents are strongly advised to remove any saved payment information from devices that children have access to. It is also recommended that parents remain vigilant towards their children for warning signs such as declining grades, increased irritability, disturbed sleep patterns, and secretive behaviour, and to establish clear limits on screen time. Seeking professional counseling should be considered if these issues persist.
