How do you draw the line between gaming addiction and fun?

3 MIN. READ

Video games - two words that can inspire eye-rolling and head-shaking among older generations, but both gamers and therapists agree that video games can be fun, educational and rewarding. Like many pursuits, they're best enjoyed in moderation. When gaming adversely impacts other important aspects of life or is used as a crutch to avoid other responsibilities or concerns, parents and children may need to consider the possibility of a gaming addiction.

Gaming adversely affecting other important life areas

It's hard for adults to set priorities. We would often rather do things that are fun and entertaining than respond to more emails or work late into the evening to get things done. Imagine how much more difficult it is for any child to prioritize work over play. But how do parents know whether their child is simply having difficulty prioritizing or is suffering from gaming addiction?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), gaming addiction is now classified as an official mental disorder similar to substance abuse disorders.

Just as with other addictive behaviors, a primary indication of a possible gaming addiction is that the child is prioritizing gaming over other life activities such as school, work, relationships and family.

Even when the negative consequences become significant - missing school, missing work, missing homework, having little real-life interaction with friends and family - the addicted child is unable to turn away from gaming. S/he may go hours without eating or stay up late into the night to play, missing out on the sleep that is so necessary to the physical and mental health of growing children and teenagers.

Gaming as a crutch

Not all therapists agree with the WHO's designation of gaming addiction as a disorder. Some therapists feel that gamers use video gaming as a crutch to avoid other major life challenges.

Depression, social anxiety, low self-esteem and a host of other issues can send a teenager into the realm of online gaming as a mechanism to avoid their other psychological issues. Online, s/he can be whomever or whatever they wish. However, the virtual friends made through online gaming, while important, are a poor substitute for healthy peer-to-peer personal interaction.

Strategies to reduce gaming

As a parent of a child or teen gaming addict, it's tempting to simply eliminate your child's access to video games. After all, abstinence is the recommended treatment for alcoholics and drug addicts. This strategy can be effective with young children and should be considered for those children who become over-stimulated, angry or aggressive during or after video game play.

For older children and teens, though, this approach is difficult because of the widespread availability of games on multiple devices. Dr. Kanojia, a Boston psychiatrist who treats gaming addiction, recommends trying to understand the motivation behind gaming. Once you, as parents, understand what motivates your child or teen to play games excessively, you can start to plan healthier alternatives.

Encourage your child to join a club or sports team at school. Perhaps your argumentative child is a champion debate team candidate waiting to be discovered. The same hand-eye coordination involved with gaming can translate into an asset in competitive sports. Work together to understand what activities can meet the same needs that video games provide - competence, autonomy and connectedness.

Most importantly, whatever plans you devise, talk honestly with your child. Reassure them that your concerns and motivations are driven first and foremost by your love and your desire to see them have the most rewarding and fulfilling real life possible.

Professional intervention

Sometimes, all the best parenting in the world isn't enough to overcome gaming addiction. Parents should encourage their children and teenagers to seek professional intervention in addition to softer approaches, and should attend as many sessions as needed.

Therapeutic Options understands the challenges your child or teen faces. Our approach involves comprehensive care for patients and their families. While our staff has a broad range of expertise, we coordinate our efforts to provide the best possible treatment for your child as an individual and your family as a whole.

Contact us or visit our website to learn more about our compassionate, client-centered approach. We look forward to hearing from you.