ABSTRACT
Introduction: Pediatric mental problems have been increasing, especially after COVID-19, which led to reduced active play. In childhood and adolescence, active play has been recognized as a protective factor against psychopathology. Objective(s): To determine the association between gambling and internalizing or externalizing symptoms in children and adolescents. Material(s) and Method(s): Cross-sectional analytical observational study, with a sample of 1533 children and adolescents, between six and 18 years of age in the city of Manizales, during the second semester of 2021. The Child Behavior Checklist 6-18 (CBCL/6-18) and inquired about hobbies and active play, where bivariate analyzes were performed. Result(s): 69.4% of those surveyed are fond of art and 12.0% of sports. 46.37% presented significant symptoms in the CBCL. Statistically significant negative correlations were found between active gaming and the presence of symptoms in all CBCL domains, as well as a positive correlation between alterations in mental health and the use of video games. Conclusion(s): Active play is a behavior related to child and adolescent mental health, which is why it should be investigated and promoted from the first levels of health care.Copyright © 2023 Asociacion Colombiana de Psiquiatria