Bombay High Court permits a boy with internet gaming disorder to sit for an improvement exam

The Bombay High Court’s ruling on 7^th July 2024, to allow a 19-year-old boy suffering from  Internet Gaming Disorder, Anxiety and Depression to retake his missed class 12 exams, is a significant step in addressing the growing mental health challenges faced by young people in the digital age and how support from the society & system can help in their rehabilitation.  

Internet Gaming Disorder 

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a diagnosable mental health condition, first introduced as a disorder in DSM-5 (2013) in which an individual cannot control their gaming habits causing impaired daily functioning (such as short temperament, impulsiveness, anger, isolation,  physical tiredness etc.). Symptoms often include tolerance, withdrawal and no longer showing interest in other activities. 

Impact on Academic Performance 

The case of the Mumbai teen emphasised how behavioural disorders like IGD can have a negative and devastating impact on a student’s academic performance. Struggling from anxiety,  depression and an overpowering compulsion to game the teen was unable to focus and concentrate on his exams despite being an above-average student up till class 11. 

Compassionate Judicial Approach 

The Bombay High Court’s decision to allow the teen to retake his exams demonstrates a compassionate and understanding approach to addressing mental health challenges in the education system. By understanding and acknowledging how IGD can be disabling, and giving another opportunity to the learner the judicial system has shown a willingness to prioritize the well-being of the individual over rigid academic policies. 

The Significance of Early Intervention 

This case emphasizes that it is important for early intervention and assistance to be provided for young people who are affected by mental health issues like IGD. If this adolescent had been helped in time, he might have coped with his condition better thereby having better performance in his examinations. The court’s ruling reveals that more efforts must be made to make students aware of IGD’s growing prevalence and other mental health issues as well as improve their access to resources.

Holistic Approach to Mental Health 

This decision of the Bombay High Court also indicates a broader movement toward holistic and empathic approaches toward mental health in law. In recognition of these exceptional issues, the court has demonstrated a willingness to move beyond rigid, one-size-fits-all policies and instead prioritize the individual’s well-being and long-term success. 

Examples of such cases  

India 

In 2022, the Kerala High Court directed the state government to provide counselling and treatment for a 17-year-old student addicted to online gaming, allowing him to appear for his class 10 board exams. The Delhi High Court in 2021 directed a school to allow a student suffering from IGD to appear for his class 12 exams, recognizing the need for mental health accommodations. 

Internationally  

In South Korea, which has one of the highest rates of gaming disorder, the government has implemented a “Shutdown Law” that restricts late-night access to online games for children and adolescents. In the United States, some schools have started offering specialized programs and counselling services to support students struggling with problematic gaming and technology use. The World Health Organization’s inclusion of “Gaming Disorder” in the 11th revision of the  International Classification of Diseases has prompted greater awareness and research on this  issue globally 

In conclusion, the decision by Bombay High Court to allow the student’s class 12 exams to be retaken having Internet Gaming Disorder is one of the steps towards dealing with mental health  difficulties that young people experience in today’s digital era. This case again, highlights the significance of early identification, empathetic support and comprehensive approaches to mental wellness among learners.

Such rulings act as positive reinforcement for the students and leave a positive mark on their self-esteem and self-efficacy. By recognizing the unique needs of individuals and providing them with the opportunity to succeed, the court has set an important precedent that can inspire similar actions in the future.