Potential effects of a gaming restriction policy on problematic use of the internet and time spent on the internet among Chinese adolescents: a longitudinal study

Chen, C-Y, Chen, I-H, Hou, W-L, Chou, P-Y, Üztemur, S, Chen, X, Huang, R-Y, Potenza, MN, Demetrovics, Z, Griffiths, MD ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8880-6524 and Lin, C-Y, 2026. Potential effects of a gaming restriction policy on problematic use of the internet and time spent on the internet among Chinese adolescents: a longitudinal study. Computers in Human Behavior, 181: 108977. ISSN 0747-5632

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Abstract

While the internet offers convenience and entertainment, frequent engagement in online activities may lead to problematic use of the internet (PUI) and psychological distress. The present study explored the potential impact of China’s online gaming restriction policy on adolescents’ internet use and associations with psychological distress. A longitudinal survey was conducted with 546 adolescent students in China (mean age = 16.49 years, 51.28% female) at three timepoints: summer vacation (T1), school semester (T2), and winter vacation (T3). Generalized estimating equations analysis showed that internet use time and PUI (excluding pornography-related use) at T2 were significantly lower compared to T1, while a partial rebound in both internet use time and PUI was observed at T3. Additionally, a positive relationship was found between the severity of PUI and psychological distress, particularly when assessed at the same timepoint. While the gaming restriction policy appears show some positive effects in reducing PUI and related psychological distress, individual maturation and vacation schedules may also influence internet use. Promoting meaningful activities and stable routines may be a more effective strategy than simply restricting gaming time. Future research should focus on populations of adolescents with severe PUI and explore potential intervention strategies.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Computers in Human Behavior
Creators:	Chen, C.-Y., Chen, I.-H., Hou, W.-L., Chou, P.-Y., Üztemur, S., Chen, X., Huang, R.-Y., Potenza, M.N., Demetrovics, Z., Griffiths, M.D. and Lin, C.-Y.
Publisher:	Elsevier BV
Date:	August 2026
Volume:	181
ISSN:	0747-5632
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1016/j.chb.2026.108977 DOI 2597671 Other
Rights:	© 2026 Elsevier Ltd. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Laura Borcherds
Date Added:	08 Apr 2026 10:41
Last Modified:	08 Apr 2026 10:41
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/55510

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