The UK’s health service has criticised online gambling companies, ahead of the opening of a specialist clinic to treat gaming addiction among children.

The head of the National Health Service, Simon Stevens, is widely quoted in today’s UK national newspapers as stating that the NHS has been clearing up the aftermath of young lives destroyed by obsessions with technology.

He quoted other countries that had banned under-16s from online gaming after midnight.

The new centre will concentrate on children harmed by their obsession with playing computer games. Psychiatrists and psychologists will work with players aged between 13 and 25 who have severe or complex behavioural issues linked to gaming, gambling or social media. The centre will be based in London. 

Stevens said: “The NHS should not be left to pick up the pieces – gambling and internet firms have a responsibility to their users as well as their shareholders and should do their utmost to prevent, rather than cash in on, obsessive or harmful behaviour.” Stevens called for a “mental health levy” on social media and gambling companies.