The world of online gaming is forever expanding and has become extremely popular over the past decade among younger generations. Although online games can help children learn how to socialize and develop observational skills and problem-solving, it can also cause more harm than good if time is not monitored and addiction sets in.
Cybersecurity expert Lauren Mak and VPNOverview.com have put together some top tips on spotting gaming addictions in children and how to prevent them in the hopes that parents and guardians can allow their children to enjoy online gaming without suffering harmful consequences.
Warning signs of gaming addiction include:
- Lack of interest in the things they once shared interest in and no desire to take part in other activities other than gaming—this can limit a child from being able to pursue other hobbies that they could be exceptional at and even go on to have a career in
- Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, hostility, mood swings, impatience, depression, anxiety, and anger when not gaming, even for short periods
- Absence in thought towards personal care: insomnia and disruption in eating patterns—this may have a detrimental effect on a child as they may struggle to deal with everyday tasks and could even develop and eating disorder
- Difficulty focusing in school
- A lack of empathy—this will make it harder for the child to create healthy social connections with people and can lead to serious mental health problems
How do children develop an online gaming addiction?
Children may be exposed to gaming from an early age. For example, playing games like Animal Crossing and Minecraft can introduce children to gaming. As the child ages and becomes more advanced, they seek out more challenging, engaging games.
Children can also be drawn to the graphics and stories behind games and use them to escape from real life. Kids who are particularly anxious or have attention-deficit disorders can be more inclined to become addicted to video games.
Physical consequences from excessive gaming:
- Heightened chronic stress levels: This can result in a lowered immune function, which puts them at a higher risk for catching infections.
- Headaches and migraines: This can hinder everyday routines and lead to exhaustion and burnout.
- Weight gain: This is a result of leading a sedentary lifestyle, which can promote both physical issues and mental health problems.
- Problems with posture: This can develop into chronic back pain, joint disfiguration, and spinal issues
- Seizures caused by graphics, lights, and colors in games: This can lead to injury from trauma endured during the seizure and have lasting long-term effects
How to prevent and remedy gaming addiction in children and teenagers:
- Talk to your child and try to pinpoint any problems and symptoms they might be experiencing. Spend some time identifying your child’s symptoms and express your desire to create a plan to help them overcome and issues.
- Encourage healthy use of screens and downtime. Practice what you preach. If you are trying to encourage your child to spend less time online, ensure you do the same. This will prove to them that the time you spend offline can be just as rewarding as they feel online.
- Offer strategies for coping with withdrawals. Keep an eye on how your child acts when not gaming and offer support. Exercising or doing something stimulating to the brain will get their mind off gaming in no time
- Parental controls are always an option. It sounds invasive, but complete surveillance is ill-advised. By monitoring a child’s gaming, you can allow them to have online time, but only for certain periods. Just remember to be open with your child, and let them know they still have a right to privacy.
- Look at gaming more positively. It may seem counterintuitive, but showing an interest in gaming could lead to more positive conversations towards making healthier choices and make them sympathetic towards your wishes.
“While online gaming can be a fantastic way for children and teenagers to increase cognitive skills, develop social awareness, and enhance creativity, there is a risk that they can develop an addiction because of spending too much time playing online,” says Mak. “It is important to remember that while you want your child or teenager to have fun, you want them to be safe and develop healthy habits when it comes to spending time online while not intruding on their privacy.”
