Australia’s new social media ban for under-16s started this week. It blocks kids from accounts on sites like Instagram, Snapchat, and X. But the ban does not cover gaming platforms. Experts say this leaves a big gap in protecting children. Fifteen-year-old Sadmir Perviz, a patient at Australia’s only public gaming disorder clinic in Perth, uses in-person board games to cut down from 10 hours daily of online gaming. Psychiatrist Dr Daniela Vecchio, who runs the clinic, says gaming can be addictive like social media. "Gaming and social media are so interconnected, it's very difficult to separate," she explains. Platforms like Discord and Roblox raise concerns due to exposure to harmful content. Roblox recently added age checks in Australia, and Discord introduced a teen-default setting. Former patient Kevin Koo compares gaming addiction to substance abuse, calling his unrestricted internet use as a child a "wild west." Dr Vecchio would prefer the ban to include gaming and increase the age limit to 18. A 2022 study found 2.8% of Australian children have gaming disorder, but more may be at risk. The government says the ban targets harmful content, cyberbullying, grooming, and predatory algorithms. Yet experts argue the selection of platforms ignores gaming. The eSafety Commissioner confirmed the ban targets platforms mainly for social interaction, excluding games. Critics like Professor Marcus Carter call the law "incompetent" and "reactionary." Professor Tama Leaver urges a nuanced approach because gaming ranges from positive, creative experiences like Minecraft to risky platforms like Roblox. Online chatrooms on gaming sites have been flagged by authorities for child exploitation risks. Mr Koo also warns about AI chatbots that can manipulate users, leading to problems like "AI psychosis." He now balances AI use with professional therapy. The government continues to review banned platforms, recently adding Twitch. Communications Minister Anika Wells called the ban "a treatment plan" that will evolve. Yet clinics like Vecchio’s face growing demand and say children remain vulnerable. "[The legislation] is excluding platforms where children interact with many others and some of them can be people who harm them," she said. "Children need to be protected, they need to be safeguarded."