Events and Activities 

2024 Gaming Research Seminar 

Adolescent Gaming Study 1  

The study was jointly conducted by the Asian Association of Addiction Prevention (AAAP) and Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, St. Francis University.  In 2023, a gaming survey questionnaire was filled by 1046 adolescents aged 12-15 years. Survey measures focused on game playing habits, perceived self-control, self-esteem and generalized anxiety. Results indicate that 97% of the survey participants played video games. One-third were probable excessive problem gamers, and one-tenth could be classified as pathological gamers with symptoms of addiction. Pathological gaming is associated with low self-esteem, lack of self-control and anxiety. Findings have implications for preventive strategies.  

Study 2: Sex Differences in Video Game Playing 

The study was jointly conducted by the Asian Association of Addiction Prevention (AAAP) and Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, St. Francis University. 1051 survey questionnaires were filled by secondary school students. Males dominated in video game playing, online game viewing, and disordered gaming. Boys played games mainly for fun (53.6%) and relieving boredom (52.7%). Girls also sought entertainment (46.4%) and boredom reduction (47.3%). The major negative impact of game playing reported by boys was poor academic results (52%), whereas girls experienced fatigue (56%). Gender-specific intervention was proposed to address adolescent gaming problems. 

家長篇: 預防子女沉迷打機的策略 

• 與子女㇐起訂立打機協議 (包括打機時間表) 
  To create agreements on playing video games with your children (e.g. work out a gaming timetable)   
• 設立賞罰規則,以培養子女的自律性
  To foster children’s self-discipline by enforcing rules of rewards and punishments  
• 鼓勵參與有利身心理健康的活動和培養不同興趣
  To encourage children to enjoy different health-enhancing activities and hobbies 
• 要以身作則，並宜對電玩有了解，以助親子溝通
  To be a role model with knowledge of gaming may improve parent-child communication 
• 如發現子女沉迷打機, 宜尋求專業協助
  To seek professional help to cope with children’s excessive gaming problems 

Prepared by Mr. William Li and Dr. Irene Wong 

Recent Activities

Dr. Irene Wong attended the 2021 Best Practice Awards presentation ceremony organized by the Hong Kong Council of Social Services in December 2022.

Dr. Cheong Hay Chu reported the major findings of a study on mental health issues at the press conference held jointly with Caritas Family Services in December 2022.

Opening Event (2018)

Opening Ceremony of 2018-2019 Gambling Awareness Programs and Research Projects Jointly Conducted by AAAP and Caritas Institute of Higher Education. The ceremony was co-organized by Hong Kong Buddhist Association Youth Centre and Hong Kong Swargame.

2018 FIFA World Cup: Campus Gambling Awareness Programs held at Caritas Institute of Higher Education with more than 300 Hong Kong student participants recruited from high schools, colleges, universities and youth centres

Research and Press Conferences (2018-2020)

Study 1 2018 FIFA World Cup: Gambling Problems among Hong Kong College and University Students The study was jointly conducted by the Asian Association of Addiction Prevention (AAAP) and Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Caritas Institute of Higher Education (CIHE). A questionnaire was distributed to 593 students with a response rate of 86%. The rates of lifetime and past-year gambling involvement are 79.6% and 41.8% respectively. Many (60%) started gambling before 18 years, and 15% met the criteria for lifetime pathological gambling. Risk factors of pathological gambling were identified. The findings shed light on prevention and intervention programs.

Study 2 2018 FIFA World Cup: Problem Gambling among Hong Kong Secondary School Students The study was conducted by the Asian Association of Addiction Prevention (AAAP) and Felizberta Lo Padilla Tong School of Social Sciences, Caritas Institute of Higher Education (CIHE). A total of 610 secondary school students were distributed a survey questionnaire (response rate: 85%). The rates of lifetime and past-year gambling are 63% and 39% respectively. The lifetime gamblers placed their first bet at 10.1 years, while 9.7% could be classified as pathological gamblers. More than a third reported problem gambling among their family members. Correlates of pathological gambling were identified. The survey results have implication on preventive and awareness programs.