Video game addiction has become a growing concern among children and adolescents in today’s digital age.
This is a concern for many parents, and experts are increasingly addressing it in clinical settings. According to studies, between 6% and 15% of young people are estimated to have this disorder.
Causes of Video Game Addiction:
- Social anxiety, which may lead to excessive engagement in virtual social interactions.
- Family problems or school bullying, which can push the child to escape reality.
- The nature of video games themselves, which often encourage persistent play through challenges and constant rewards.
- Parental neglect or emotional emptiness, which may lead the child or adolescent to seek validation and emotional connection through the virtual world.
Symptoms of Video Game Addiction: This disorder can manifest through various signs, including:
- Symptoms of anxiety and distress when access to or time spent playing video games is restricted.
- Spending a long time playing at the expense of other daily activities, such as studying, social interaction with family and friends, or exercising, leads to neglecting those duties or activities and increasing the time dedicated to electronic games at the expense of these daily activities.
- Declining academic performance, due to reduced time and interest in schoolwork, as well as poor concentration.
- Social withdrawal and isolation, leading to reduced engagement with peers and family, often accompanied by a strong aversion to social interaction.
- Neglect of physical health, such as skipping meals, poor personal hygiene, and disrupted sleep patterns due to the addictive cycle of gaming rewards and competition.
Treatment Approaches:
- Behavioural interventions, such as psychotherapy to help change unhealthy patterns. Active participation and family support in screen time management.
- Medication, in cases where addiction is accompanied by other psychological disorders.
Strategies for Prevention:
Parents and caregivers can take several proactive steps to reduce the risk of video game addiction:
- Establish consistent, unambiguous screen time limitations and make sure they are followed.
- Encourage alternative activities, such as skill-based games, sports, reading, and arts, in an engaging and supportive environment.
- Promote family time by planning fun and meaningful activities that deepen ties.
- Monitor daily routines and be alert to any behavioural changes that might indicate a developing problem.
- Provide emotional support and teach children healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress and life challenges.
Conclusion: It’s crucial to keep two key points in mind:
- Early prevention and awareness are important. It can make a big difference to identify the symptoms of video game addiction before the problem gets out of hand.
- Timely intervention and proper treatment are vital to reduce the negative impact of gaming addiction on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of children and adolescents
