Expert likens video games to 'ticking time bombs'

A reported increase in local youth suicide rates raised concerns and outraged the people of Jordan.

Thursday, the National Center for Forensic Medicine announced that there has been an increase in the number of suspected youth suicide cases in Jordan over the past three years.

The cases, which were recorded among children younger than 15 years of age, are believed to be caused by violence portrayed in video games and television serials, according to the director of the center Majed Al-Shamayleh.

Citizens expressed their frustration with the content children are exposed to due to the widespread use of smart devices, over the past few years.

Although these games have successfully entertained and engaged children, over time they have become "ticking time bombs."

Parents have begun to notice that their children have become sluggish, speak less, and have no desire to play with their friends or siblings.

- Sociologist weighs in -

Professor of Sociology Hussein Al-Khuzaie sounded the alarm regarding three suspected cases of youth suicide in 2022.

He told Roya Thursday that children and adolescents want to play video games and watch TV series that contain violent content.

Children might get the urge to imitate what they see, as is the case with the suspected suicides, he explained.

He stressed that children do not intend on committing suicide, but simply imitate what they see "heroes" doing in tv series and video games.

According to Khuzaie, it is necessary to tighten control over games such as PUBG, which revolves around the idea of fighting and violence.

He pointed out that there are other factors that are believed to have contributed to youth suicides in Jordan, the most notable of which is harsh or violent parenting.

Children might resort to self-harm to get attention, which could result in death, according to Al-Khuzaie, who emphasized that this is often seen within broken families and children of divorce.

- Neuroscientific point of view -

A brain and neuroscience expert, Jamal al-Akhras said that the number of children who receive treatment at his clinic has increased over the past three years.

He continued saying that there has also been a noticeable increase in seizure and epilepsy cases, as a result of increased use of electronics for longer periods of time.

Akhras stressed the need to limit the use of electronic devices to no more than 90 minutes a day.

He pointed out that the use of this type of game affects the cerebral cortex, which leads to epilepsy, migraines, and tension headaches.

Children often resort to imitating what they see, which could lead to their death, he said.

- Authorities warn parents -

The Cyber Crimes Unit at the Public Security Directorate (PSD) warned of the dangers of not monitoring children's use of electronic devices.

Additionally, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission advised parents to make sure their children are not participating in dangerous challenges or games such as the "Momo Challenge," PUBG, and Fortnite.

Notably, the Momo Challenge is a challenge where children and adolescents were enticed by a user named Momo to perform a series of dangerous tasks such as violent attacks, self-harm, harming others, and suicide.