Understanding and Managing Gaming Addiction in Children

Distinguishing between enjoying video gaming as a hobby and developing an addiction can be difficult. Video game addiction, or Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), is increasingly prevalent. It involves excessive online gaming, which can disrupt various aspects of life. With games easily accessible on multiple devices, this addiction is a significant health concern, linked to brain changes like substance abuse and gambling. It is also associated with depression and other emotional and social challenges. Please read about other risks of Online Gaming on safe space over this link.

Between 2022 and 2024, there has been a notable increase in gaming addiction among children worldwide, with a 15% rise reported in 2023 compared to 2022. This trend highlights the growing impact of extensive gaming on children's mental health, influenced by online gaming accessibility and immersive game experiences. It emphasizes the importance of early intervention, support from parents, educators, and healthcare professionals, and promoting healthy gaming habits among children.

Furthermore in 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified video game addiction as a mental health disorder, especially concerning for children. This acknowledgment underscores the potential harm excessive gaming can have on young people, affecting their academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being. You can watch this very simple Animation with your children to see what they miss if they get addicted to video games.

Understanding the Addiction.

Games are often designed to present challenges that encourage players to feel a sense of achievement during their gameplay, akin to how gambling establishments ensure small wins to reinforce continued participation. Various elements within games serve as 'hooks' to foster addictive behaviour:

1. High Scores: Players strive to surpass existing high scores, often leading to extended play sessions.
2. Completing the Game: The primary objective in single-player games.
3. Immersion & Role-Playing: Players can craft characters and interact in fantasy realms influenced by their choices. This immersion can sometimes lead to neglecting real-life responsibilities.
4. Exploration: Many games feature expansive worlds for players to uncover and explore.
5. Social Relationships: Online gaming encourages players to form groups to achieve goals together, exemplified in games like Minecraft or Roblox. These virtual communities can foster a sense of acceptance and belonging, prompting frequent return visits.

While these game mechanics can provide entertainment and foster valuable skills like problem-solving and teamwork, they can also have significant long-term impacts on children. The constant pursuit of high scores, immersive role-playing, and social validation in virtual worlds can distract from real-life responsibilities such as schoolwork, family interactions, and physical activity. Over time, this excessive engagement can lead to poor academic performance, lack of social skills, and even health concerns, including sleep deprivation and sedentary lifestyles. Additionally, the emphasis on virtual accomplishments may shift children's focus from real-world achievements, potentially hindering their personal and academic growth. Without proper guidance and moderation, these addictive gaming behaviors can shape unhealthy habits that affect their future well-being and success.

Gaming Addiction Symptoms.

The Association of Child Psychotherapists states that, 
"Children showing signs of gaming dependency often resist leaving their games for meals or other activities. As the addiction progresses, they may react strongly when asked to stop playing – feeling angry or upset,"

This behaviour can eventually lead to a complete withdrawal from other hobbies, social interactions, family gatherings, and activities that are more creative or physically active. Following are the signs of gaming addiction:

1.    Physical Symptoms

• Fatigue from insufficient sleep and prolonged gaming sessions.
• Headaches due to intense focus or eyestrain.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome. Gaming addiction can lead to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) due to the repetitive and prolonged use of gaming controllers, keyboards, and mice. Poor ergonomics, lack of breaks, and ignoring early symptoms increase the risk of CTS, which causes pain and numbness in the hands and wrists.
• Neglect of personal hygiene.

2.    Emotional Symptoms

• Restlessness or irritability when unable to play.
• Obsessive thoughts about past gaming activities or anticipation of future sessions.
• Dishonesty about gaming habits with friends or family.
• Emotional withdrawal occurs when individuals prioritize gaming over meaningful social interactions, distancing themselves from real-world relationships and connections..

Guide to Managing Gaming Addiction.

Instead of abruptly stopping your child's gaming, gradually reducing screen time, and introducing alternative activities is more effective. The Association of Child Psychotherapists recommends nurturing other interests like sports or art and maintaining family outings and social interactions to support their social development, particularly if they are experiencing peer challenges -such as difficulties fitting in, making friends, or dealing with bullying or exclusion in social groups. Additional methods to decrease your child's gaming include:

1. Establishing screen time limits.
2. Negotiating and making agreements with your child, such as allowing them 30 minutes of gaming after a walk together.
3. Encourage your children to engage in hobbies such as reading, drawing, or playing sports.
4. Keeping devices out of their bedroom, particularly at night.
5. Use parental control programs by installing software to manage the child's online content and time.
6. Enlisting friends and relatives to monitor their gaming habits when you are not around.
7. Fulfilling their gaming interests with offline games like board games such as Monopoly or UNO, which can be played as a family or Lego forts.

Guidance for treating Gaming Addiction:

Seeking professional support for gaming addiction should be based on its severity, emphasizing early intervention to prevent escalation and the potential need for medical or addiction treatment. It is crucial to approach this support without making your child feel scrutinized. Options include child psychotherapists or family therapists who can assist in setting clear boundaries and managing parental anxiety.

Finally, stay safe, and don’t forget!

Understanding and addressing the rise of gaming addiction in children is critical. With its classification as a mental health disorder by the World Health Organization, early intervention is vital. By setting limits, promoting alternative activities, and fostering balanced screen time, parents can manage excessive gaming and support their children's well-being effectively.