Rethinking Gaming Disorder Prevention: A Socio-Ecological Model Based on Practitioner Insights

Current approaches to gaming disorder prevention remain comparatively narrow, and prevention efforts are frequently underdeveloped and fragmented. Using the socio-ecological model (SEM), this qualitative study mapped frontline practitioners' perceived obstacles and opportunities to develop a multi-level, practice-grounded framework for policy and implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 prevention professionals in Flanders (Dutch-speaking Belgium), recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. A hybrid inductive-deductive analysis-iterative coding guided by Layder's adaptive theory-organized findings across SEM levels. At the public policy level, participants highlighted insufficient sustainable funding but saw potential in coordinated frameworks moving prevention beyond substance-focused agendas. At the community level, a clear knowledge gap emerged, with opportunities in integrating gaming within broader digital well-being efforts. Institutionally, the absence of practical tools and clear referral pathways was noted, in addition to high participation barriers, whereas accessible programs with targeted outreach were viewed as promising. Interpersonally, parental disengagement was common, but early involvement and pedagogical guidance were seen as key levers. At the intrapersonal level, limited self-insight and emotion regulation impeded change, while resilience, self-confidence, and offline activities were protective. This first empirical application of the SEM to gaming disorder prevention highlights the need for a multi-level, context-sensitive framework that bridges public health and digital media perspectives.