Panel @ Victoria University, Australia: Internet Gaming Disorder Risks and Opportunities Feb 8, 2020
Channel: Michelle Colder Carras
Date: 10/02/2021

Institute of Health and Sports Cyberpsychology Research Group, Victoria University,  Melbourne, Australia 
 
Speakers:
Dr Charlotte Beard, Palo Alto University, California USA 
Dr Michelle Colder Carras, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland USA

9th February 2021 6:00-7:00 am AEDT
8th February 2021 7:00 -8:00 pm GMT*

Internet gaming has been gaining popularity worldwide. Despite the entertainment and socializing opportunities it offers, a small proportion of gamers appear to have trouble controlling their amount of play. In that context, the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization call for more attention to such phenomena. This panel presentation will aim to delineate the fine line between the risks and opportunities related to the use of internet games. 

The expert panel will aim to cover the following three broad areas: 
a) Diagnostic challenges; 
b) The state of available evidence; 
c) Policy suggestions.

Presenters will discuss questions such as: 
How do we balance potential benefits from games with potential harms? 
What is the quality of evidence we have? 
Do we need policies to address harms from Internet gaming? 

Target audience
The primary target audience for this webinar is researchers, clinicians, parents, gamers, game-developers, media and policy-makers. 

Learning objectives 
1. Explain the characteristics of internet gaming as a form of social interaction; 
2. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of understanding Internet gaming as a possible health-promoting activity; 
3. Define Internet gaming disorder (DSM 5) and Gaming disorder (ICD-11); 
4. Describe issues that affect the quality of research about gaming disorder; 
5. Distinguish between engaged gaming and problematic gaming; and 
6. Describe policy options for addressing the potential harms associated with Internet gaming. 

Agenda

Opening: Dr. Vasileios Stavropoulos 

Introductions: Qasim Latifi & Daniel Zarate 

Speakers: 
1. Dr Charlotte Beard, Palo Alto University, California USA 
2. Dr Michelle Colder Carras, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Maryland USA

Discussion Moderators: 
Dr. Vasileios Stavropoulos 
Dr. Romana Morda 

Close: Dr. Vasileios Stavropoulos