Hyderabad Police warn parents over unmonitored online gaming among children

Hyderabad Police have advised parents to closely monitor their children's online gaming activities amid rising complaints of unauthorised in-game purchases and excessive gaming. The advisory highlighted the health and behavioural risks of gaming addiction and offered support sessions for parents and schools.

Hyderabad: The city police have urged parents to closely monitor their children’s online gaming activities, citing a rise in complaints involving unauthorised in-game purchases and excessive gaming.

According to an advisory issued by Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar on Wednesday, many cybercrime complaints initially reported as online fraud were found to be cases where children used saved debit cards, UPI accounts or net banking facilities on family members’ devices to make purchases in multiplayer games. “Investigations revealed that a significant number of such transactions originated from grandparents’ smartphones, which often have saved payment credentials and receive less supervision,” Sajjanar said.

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The advisory noted that battle royale games, particularly among boys aged 10 to 17, have become a major part of social interactions, with peer pressure linked to purchasing premium skins, elite passes and other virtual items. Devices provided for online learning are also being used for prolonged gaming sessions, sometimes late into the night.

Police highlighted concerns over the impact of excessive gaming on children’s well-being, including sleep disturbances, declining academic performance, eye strain, reduced social interaction and behavioural issues.

The advisory further pointed out that the World Health Organization recognises Gaming Disorder as a medical condition characterised by impaired control over gaming despite harmful consequences.

The department has offered support and awareness sessions for parents and educational institutions on request.

• Remove saved payment details from devices accessible to children.
• Enable parental controls and purchase approvals and activate transaction alerts.
• Enforce screen-time limits.
• Monitor children for warning signs such as falling grades, irritability, disturbed sleep patterns and secretive behaviour.
• Seek professional counselling if necessary.