Hyderabad: 24 June, 2:55 PM IST
Online gaming risks in Hyderabad have prompted Police to issue an advisory to parents regarding children’s exposure to multiplayer games. The advisory was issued by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Wednesday.
According to the advisory, an increasing number of cybercrime complaints initially believed to be cases of fraud were later found to involve children making in-game purchases using saved cards or UPI accounts on family devices.
Police officials noted that many of these cases involve devices belonging to grandparents. Such devices often contain saved payment information, logged-in banking applications, and fewer security restrictions.
Online Gaming Risks in Hyderabad Rising Among Children
The advisory states that online battle royale games have become highly popular among boys aged between 10 and 17 years. In many schools, gaming discussions dominate free time and social interactions.
Peer pressure related to paid gaming items such as skins, Elite Pass memberships, and rare virtual items is encouraging children to spend money within games. Mobile phones originally provided for online classes are increasingly being used for prolonged gaming sessions.
The advisory also refers to the psychological impact of excessive gaming. The World Health Organization recognizes Gaming Disorder as a health condition characterized by impaired control over gaming activities and continued gaming despite harmful consequences.
Experts associate excessive gaming with sleep disturbances, reduced academic performance, eye strain, irritability, and declining social interaction. The advisory states that complete bans may not always be effective and that parental engagement often produces better results.
Parents have been advised to remove saved payment methods from devices accessible to children and require PINs or biometric authentication for all transactions. Enabling parental controls and transaction alerts has also been recommended.
The advisory further suggests that parents provide separate low-balance payment options if digital purchases become necessary. Setting screen-time limits and monitoring device usage, including on grandparents’ phones, are considered essential preventive measures.
Parents are encouraged to observe warning signs such as falling grades, sleep problems, irritability, secrecy, and reduced interest in other activities. If such symptoms continue, consultation with school counsellors or mental health professionals is advised.
The police clarified that the advisory is not intended to discourage gaming altogether. Instead, it focuses on the risks associated with unrestricted access, including financial loss and potential exposure to online grooming or abuse.
Hyderabad City Police has also offered support and awareness programs for parents, schools, and community groups seeking guidance on digital safety and responsible gaming habits.
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