POG

• Consists of 18 items in 9 categories, following the DSM-V and ICD-11 guidelines;
• All items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale;
• The final score is calculated by computing the scores on all 18 items;
• Minimum total score is 18 and maximum total score is 90;
• Scores between 18 and 42 points should be considered as low POG, scores between 43 and 66 points – average POG, and scores above 66 points are considered high POG;
• For students who have average (42-66 points) or high (> 66 points) scores, the teacher survey should also be filled by a teacher who knows the student well, to further affirm or reject the possibility of POG.

Preoccupation with video games

      1. I spend most of my free time playing video games.

      2. Even when I’m not playing, I keep thinking about video games.

Withdrawal symptoms

      3. I get angry when I’m not allowed to play.

      17. I start getting nervous if I don’t play every day.

Tolerance

      4. If it were up to me, I would spend all my free time playing video games.

      5. Sometimes, I think that a whole day won’t be enough for me to do what I want in the game.

Unsuccessful attempts to control gaming behavior

      6. I find it hard to stop playing.

      8. I want to reduce the time I spend playing video games, but it’s hard for me to do it.

Loss of interest in previous hobbies

      7. I prefer to play rather than to do other things (my homework, sports, hobbies).

      9. Nothing is as interesting as video games.

Continued excessive gaming despite knowledge of problems

      10. I know that spending too much time playing games is harmful, but I like it.

      13. Sometimes, I keep playing even after my eyes start to hurt.

Deceived family members or others regarding the amount of gaming

      11. I have lied to my parents about the time I spend playing video games.

      15. I play much more than I tell my parents.

Using games to escape or relieve a negative mood

      12. When I play video games, I feel happy.

      16. I play video games to forget about the things that worry me.

Jeopardized social or educational opportunities

      18. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to focus on my lessons because I keep thinking about video games.

      14. Sometimes, I ignore my friends because of video games.

BIG 5 (Neuroticism, Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness)

• Only 3 dimensions (Neuroticism, Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness) from the Big 5 model are chosen because of their systematic association with addictive behaviors (including gaming addiction);
• This part consists of 6 items in 3 categories (Neuroticism, Openness to Experience, Conscientiousness);
• These three personality characteristics aid in identifying children who haven’t developed POG yet, but are at a higher risk to do it;
• Neuroticism and Openness to Experiences are linked to potential addictive behavior, while Conscientiousness is considered a protective factor;
• All items are scored on a 5-point Likert scale;
• The score for each personality characteristic is calculated by computing the scores for the 2 items that comprise it;
• Minimum total score for each personality characteristic is 2 and maximum total score is 10.
• For students who have low score (< 42 points) on the POG scale, and more than 5 points in Neuroticism and less than 5 points in Conscientiousness, the teacher survey should also be filled by a teacher to confirm the POG results, because some students may give socially desirable answers and artificially lower their score on the POG questions.

Neuroticism

      19. I get nervous easily.

      22. I often feel stressed.

Openness to Experience

      20. I have a lot of hobbies.

      24. I have an active imagination.

Conscientiousness

      21. I always do my homework on time.

      23. I am not lazy.