PUBG: Entertainment or threat to teenagers’ mental health, education?

PUBG has become a popular source of entertainment for Afghan teenagers, but psychologists and education experts express serious concerns. They warn that excessive gameplay can foster addiction, lead to a decline in academic performance, weaken social skills, and cause psychological problems.

In response to these worries, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in solar year 1401 to block PUBG and TikTok, citing their potential to mislead the younger generation. Despite this directive, some teenagers and young people continue to access the game using VPNs.

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Before this, I used to play cricket a lot and go outside, but now I spend most of my time playing PUBG and I am no longer interested in cricket.

Players themselves acknowledge the potential downsides. Omar, an eighth-grade student, noted he now spends most of his free time on PUBG, having lost interest in cricket. Sohab, a 12th-grade student, plays for entertainment and stress relief but admits that uncontrolled use could harm studies and responsibilities. He believes moderate use is better than excessive play.

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I mostly play PUBG for entertainment and to relieve stress. The game is exciting for me, and at first I used to spend much more time on it. However, I think if someone cannot control their use of it, they may fall behind in their studies and other important responsibilities. In my opinion, moderate use of games is better than excessive use.

Ajmal, a resident of Samangan province, shared a personal struggle, admitting he spent too much time on his phone, playing PUBG, and using the internet, even when engaged. His fiancée advised him to stop, warning of wasted money, harmed thinking, sleep deprivation, and illness. Ajmal initially disregarded her advice but eventually developed severe headaches.

Some users suggest that proper time management and maintaining a balance between education and entertainment can help reduce the negative effects of the game. Sohab, for instance, stopped playing PUBG entirely when he began preparing for university entrance exams.

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When I played PUBG or used the internet, it would become very late at night. Even my fiancée advised me to stop, saying it was useless, wasted money, harmed my thinking and kept me from sleeping, and that eventually I would become sick. But I did not listen and told her not to interfere.