Overview

This bill mandates the UK Secretary of State to create and publish a comprehensive strategy addressing the impact of video gaming on health and wellbeing. This strategy will inform the development and publication of health advice for video game users, aiming to mitigate negative effects and maximize positive ones.

Description

The bill requires the Secretary of State to:

• Develop and publish a ten-year video gaming strategy. This strategy must include findings from research on the mental, physical, and socio-economic effects of video gaming on children and adolescents; an assessment of current NHS and government provisions; a plan to mitigate negative effects and enhance positive effects; and a plan for future research by various bodies (including the National Institute for Health Research and the video gaming industry).
• Consult with relevant individuals and groups during strategy development, with a list of those consulted included in the final strategy.
• Publish the strategy within one year of the bill passing, and present it to both Houses of Parliament.
• Develop and publish health advice for video game users within six months of the strategy’s publication.
• This advice must outline how to minimize negative effects and maximize positive effects of gaming.
• Consult with relevant individuals and groups before publishing health advice.
• The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will likely incur costs associated with research, strategy development, health advice publication, and potential future interventions based on the strategy's recommendations. The financial estimates for research are to be included in the strategy itself.

Groups Affected

This bill will affect a wide range of groups, including:

• Children and Adolescents: The bill directly addresses their health and wellbeing in relation to video gaming.
• Video Game Industry: The industry will be involved in research and may be influenced by the strategy's recommendations.
• NHS and other Government Bodies: The bill calls for an assessment of current provision and potential improvements to services.
• Researchers: The bill will stimulate research into the effects of video gaming.
• Parents and Guardians: The health advice may assist them in supporting children’s healthy video game usage.
• Video Game Players: They will receive health advice on minimizing risks and maximizing benefits of gaming.

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