Overview

This bill mandates the UK Secretary of State to create and publish a ten-year strategy addressing the impact of video gaming on health and wellbeing. The strategy will include research findings, assessments of current government provisions, and proposals for mitigating negative and enhancing positive effects of gaming. The bill also requires the publication of health advice for gamers.

Description

Strategy Development

The Secretary of State must develop and publish a video gaming strategy within one year of the bill's passage. This strategy will analyze the mental, physical, and socio-economic effects of video gaming on children and adolescents, review existing government support, and propose ways to mitigate negative and accentuate positive effects. The strategy will also outline a research plan involving the National Institute for Health Research, the gaming industry, and other relevant bodies, including funding estimates.

Consultation and Transparency

The Secretary of State must consult with relevant individuals and organizations during strategy development. A list of those consulted will be included in the published strategy, which must be presented to both Houses of Parliament.

Health Advice

Within six months of the strategy's publication, health advice for gamers must be developed and published by the Secretary of State. This advice will focus on minimizing risks and maximizing benefits associated with video game use. The Secretary of State will use various channels to disseminate this advice.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it anticipates costs associated with developing the strategy, conducting research, and disseminating health advice. The detailed financial implications will be determined by the cost of the research program outlined in the strategy.

Groups Affected

• Children and Adolescents: The strategy directly addresses their wellbeing, potentially influencing policies related to video game access and use.
• Video Game Industry: The industry will be involved in research and potentially influenced by future regulations or guidelines stemming from the strategy.
• National Health Service (NHS): The NHS will be involved in the assessment of current provision and will likely be impacted by any proposed improvements outlined in the strategy.
• Researchers: Research institutions will be involved in the research plan outlined in the strategy.
• Parents and Guardians: The health advice will provide information to support their guidance of children's video game usage.

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