Excessive Gaming Time and Internet Gaming Disorder Among Adolescents: Evidence from a School-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Indonesia

Abstract

Background

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has emerged as a growing public mental health concern among adolescents, particularly with the widespread availability of mobile gaming. Excessive gaming time has been consistently identified as a key behavioral risk factor for IGD; however, empirical evidence from school-based populations in low- and middle-income countries, including Indonesia, remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association between excessive gaming time and Internet Gaming Disorder among adolescents in Indonesia.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 124 junior high school students in Aceh Besar, Indonesia, using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the 9-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. Gaming duration was self-reported. Descriptive statistics were used for univariate analysis, and Spearman’s rank correlation test was applied to assess the association between gaming duration and IGD severity.

Results

More than half of the participants (53.2%) were classified as being at risk for Internet Gaming Disorder, while 1.6% met the criteria for IGD. A statistically significant positive association was found between gaming duration and IGD severity (Spearman’s ρ = 0.383, p < 0.001), indicating that longer gaming time was associated with higher levels of disordered gaming behavior.

Conclusion

Excessive gaming time is significantly associated with Internet Gaming Disorder among adolescents. These findings highlight the importance of early identification and school-based preventive strategies to reduce excessive gaming behaviors and mitigate the risk of IGD in adolescent populations.