The UK is the largest videogame market in Europe – nine out of ten people aged between three and 17 play videogames in some form or another.

But could gaming be having a negative impact on our health? Do we game too much? The FYI team found out in a special FYI Investigates.

There is a good side of gaming. It isn’t just about having fun; it can help you develop some useful skills, too, like communication and team skills.

But there’s a darker side to gaming too much, though, and that’s gaming addiction.

Addiction is when we feel such a strong urge to keep doing something that we can’t control it – even if it has negative consequences on our wellbeing.

The World Health Organization now officially recognises gaming disorder as a disease that affects 8.5% of young gamers under the age of 18. It’s much more likely to affect boys than girls.

How do you know when you’re addicted, though?

Xavi, from an esports youth club in Streatham, London, said: “I think one of the signs of someone addicted to gaming would be them not coming down to meals. You shouldn’t be ignoring your necessities [things you need to do] for gaming instead.”

In China, under-18s are only allowed to play games for one hour a day on Fridays, weekends or public holidays.