COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES TO ADDRESS GAMING DISORDER AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 617

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 4 MARCH 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song

MP for Aljunied GRC

Question No. 1664

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what more community support services are being developed to address gaming disorder among young adults; (b) whether the Ministry has studied jurisdictions that implemented playtime limits or identity verification to curb problematic gaming; and (c) beyond public education, what direct measures are taken to ensure the gaming industry embeds responsible features in digital products.

Answer

1.             There are counselling and intervention programmes available in the community for those seeking help with gaming addiction such as TOUCH Community Services and WE CARE Community Services.

2.             The Government has also progressively introduced regulatory measures to better protect users from harms associated with gaming. The Code of Practice for Online Safety – App Distribution Services requires designated app stores to put in place measures to minimise users’ risk of exposure to harmful content, including those found in gaming apps. Designated app stores must also put in place age assurance measures by March 2026 to reduce the likelihood of young users accessing and downloading age-inappropriate apps, including gaming apps.  

3.       The Government will continue to monitor developments in other jurisdictions, including playtime limits or identity verification, and study if safeguards for online video games are required.