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 within one year of the bill's passage. This strategy must:

• Analyze existing academic and medical research on the mental, physical, and socioeconomic effects of video gaming on children and adolescents.
• Assess current NHS and government provisions related to video gaming.
• Outline a plan to mitigate negative effects and enhance positive effects of video gaming.
• Detail a research strategy for the National Institute for Health Research, the video game industry, and other relevant bodies, including identifying research needs, funding estimates, and data access provisions.

Further, the Secretary of State must develop and publish health advice for video game users within six months of the strategy's publication. This advice must explain how to minimize negative effects and maximize positive effects of video gaming. Consultation with relevant parties is required for both the strategy and the health advice.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will necessitate funding for the development of the strategy and health advice, as well as research initiatives identified within the strategy. The financial estimates for this research are to be included in the strategy itself.

Groups Affected

This bill will affect:

• Children and Adolescents: The strategy will directly address 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: They will be tasked with implementing the strategy and potentially receive additional funding or responsibilities.
• Researchers: The bill mandates research initiatives that will require researchers' input.
• Video Game Users: They will be the ultimate beneficiaries of the health advice produced as a result of the bill.

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