Why Parents Must Push for an Online Gaming Ban (Or Smarter Monitoring)

It’s Not “Just a Game” Anymore

You lock your doors at night, right? Then why leave your child’s mind open to online gambling disguised as games?

Apps like Teen Patti, Dream11, or even clones of PUBG now offer real-money gaming (RMG) options — and kids are falling for them. They see ads with cricketers or influencers promising “easy money.” But when they lose, they spiral.

Real Stories, Real Warnings

A 15-year-old in Pune sold his dad’s phone to pay off in-game debts. Another girl secretly used her mother’s UPI for betting, racking up ₹28,000 in losses before anyone noticed.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has flagged this as a growing danger. From 2023 to 2025, Mumbai alone recorded 97 illegal gaming-related cybercrime cases. Most of these platforms are hosted abroad and escape Indian laws.

What Can Parents Do Today?

We don’t have to wait for the government. You are your child’s first defense.

1. Sit and talk about the difference between fun and harmful games
2. Check Google Play or App Store history weekly
3. Block apps that allow money transfers or betting
4. Don’t shame them — explain, listen, guide
5. Call for Smart Laws, Not Just a Ban

Banning all games would hurt esports and good tech habits. But we must push for strict monitoring of RMG apps, celebrity-endorsed betting, and mandatory age checks.

Your Role is More Powerful Than You Think

Let’s keep gaming joyful, creative, and skill-based — not addictive and dangerous.

Speak up. Stay aware. And never assume your child is “too smart” to fall for it.

Because today, One Screen Is All It Takes.