Which country designated internet gaming as an official addiction?

China is recognized for officially designating internet gaming as an addiction. This designation is part of a broader approach by the Chinese government to address concerns regarding excessive gaming among youth, which they view as contributing to various social and health issues. In recent years, the Chinese authorities have implemented regulations to limit gaming hours for minors, established age verification systems, and promoted awareness campaigns about the potential mental health effects of excessive gaming. The official classification of gaming addiction has sparked discussions about public health, parental responsibility, and the role of government intervention in personal activities.

Other countries, while they may have similar concerns about gaming addiction, have approached the issue differently or have not reached a formal classification of gaming as an addiction at the national level to the extent seen in China. For example, South Korea has also taken significant steps to address gaming issues, but it has not designated gaming as an official addiction in the same manner as China.