By Nora Brown March 01, 2024

Video games have been around for decades, from the humble beginnings of 2d pixelated lay-outs, to the hyperreal immersive sphere of today’s augmented reality, transcending simple entertainment attributes to become major cornerstones of global culture. Major advancements have propelled this global phenomenon to new heights, with an estimated 40% of the globe’s population now finding solace, comfort, and excitement in online gaming. The sector has stretched from local single-player lay-out to vast, international multiplayer expeditions.

Nevertheless, amidst this unprecedented spike in digital consumption, the World Health Organization has cast a spotlight on gaming addiction, classifying it as a legitimate mental health concern. This article seeks insights from experts on the nature of gaming addiction and offers strategies for parents to safeguard their children against the potential grip of this modern-day challenge.

Gaming Disorder: Symptoms and Parental Insights

Gaming addiction, officially recognized as “Internet Gaming Disorder” by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), is defined as a pattern of behavior (“digital/video gaming”) characterized by impaired control over the time spent playing, increasing priority given to this pastime over other activities to the extent that it takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation despite the occurrence of negative consequences.

• Symptoms of Gaming Addiction Include:

1.Preoccupation with video games.

2.Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away or not possible (sadness, anxiety, irritability).

3.The need to spend more and more time playing to feel good.

4.Not being able to quit or even play less.

5.Not wanting to do other things that used to be fun.

6.Having problems at work, school, or home because of gaming.

7.Playing despite these problems.

8.Lying to family and friends about how much time is spent playing.

9.resorting to games to ease bad moods and feelings.

Questions to Ask to Determine if a Child Might Be Addicted to Gaming:

1.Is my child physically healthy and sleeping enough? Look for alterations in physical health, sleep patterns, and eating inconsistency, as excessive gaming can lead to sedentary behavior and disrupted sleep.

2.Is my child connecting socially with family and friends (in any form)? Observe whether your child still maintains healthy relationships or if gaming has become a substitute for real-world interactions.

3.Is my child engaged with and progressing in school? Consider whether gaming is negatively affecting their academic performance or interest in school.

4.Is my child pursuing interests and hobbies (in any form)? Determine if your child has abandoned other interests in favor of gaming, or if they still have a balanced range of activities.

How to Address Your Child’s Gaming Behavior: Tips for Parents?

• 1. Open Communication

Start a Dialogue: make sure to open the space for open, non-judgmental conversations about gaming habits. Ask your child what they enjoy the most about gaming and delineate your concerns about time spent and potential negative impacts.

Set Expectations: Clearly, and explicitly communicate the family’s conducts in regards to gaming, including time limits and appropriate types of games.

• 2. Establish Clear Boundaries and Limits

Scheduled Gaming Times: Specify times for gaming, make sure that these time slots do not interfere with sleep, homework, and family time.

Use Parental Controls: Make use of parental control settings on gaming consoles and computers (these features are there for a reason), limit playtime and restrict access to certain games.

• 3. Encourage Other Interests

Promote Balance: Encourage your child to engage in off-line activities they enjoy or might enjoy, such as sports, music, art sessions through conventional painting kits such as Vincent Van Gogh diamond painting, or joining clubs that match their interests.

Family Activities: Set aside regular times for off-screen activities like outdoor adventures, board games, or cooking together, to strengthen connections and offer enjoyable alternatives to gaming.

• 4. Reward Positive Behavior

Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge, validate and reward efforts and progress in regards to their attempts to reduce gaming time. This could be through verbal praise or rewards like family outings.

• 5. Build Social Connections

Social Skills: Encourage youngsters to lean towards friendships outside the gaming sphere, facilitating social interactions through team sports, clubs, or group activities.

The Physical and Mental Fallout of Excessive Gaming

1. Sedentary Lifestyle Risks: Excessive gaming can lead to lengthy periods of inactivity, raising the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. The absence of physical activity may result in muscular weakness and poor posture, both of which contribute to chronic pain issues, particularly in the back and neck.

2. Sleep Disturbances:Gaming addiction can significantly affect sleep habits. The laser-like concentration and stimulation from screen lights can delay sleep onset, decrease sleep quality, and lead to insomnia. Sleep disturbance can have serious health consequences, such as reduced cognitive performance, emotional fluctuations, and a weaker immunological response.

3. Increased Risk of Mental Health Disorders: Gaming addiction may raise the risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and social phobia. The isolation that comes with excessive gaming can increase feelings of loneliness and detachment from others, negatively affecting mental health.