Digital engagement, whether through gaming or social networking, has become the predominant leisure activity and a primary means of social interaction for children and adolescents, surpassing even time spent in school. Concerns about excessive or problematic use have been widely debated. Yet, public and professional discourse often oscillates between moral panic and passive permissiveness.

Drawing on current evidence, particularly from the international Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, this presentation will differentiate between normative, excessive, and potentially problematic digital use, with a special focus on gaming. I will show the current manifestation, prevalence, and associated risks of excessive gaming and their changes in recent years. But I will also critically evaluate the usefulness of the addiction conceptualization and symptomatology used in this context. Finally, I will advocate for a balanced, research-informed perspective that moves beyond polarized debates and toward evidence-based understanding and managing digital engagement among youth.