Supporting your Child through Video Game Addiction: A Parent’s Guide
In today’s digital age, video gaming has become a popular form of entertainment among children and teenagers. With the rise of the internet, many teens seek community online through gaming platforms such as Discord or Twitch. Online games can offer a sense of comfort and become a favourite pastime for some teens. About 3/4 of teens play video games. However, excessive gaming can sometimes lead to addiction, impacting a child’s social life, academics, and overall well-being. But what do you do as a parent when you start to see negative patterns in your teens’ video game use?
As a parent, recognizing and addressing gaming addiction in your child is crucial for their healthy development and success. This blog aims to provide some tips about how parents can help their children navigate and overcome video gaming addiction. You are not alone!
Understanding Gaming Addiction
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand what constitutes gaming addiction. Addiction starts when gaming starts to interfere significantly with other aspects of life, such as schoolwork, friendships, and family relationships. Perhaps you find your child is falling behind on assignments or spending less time with friends and family. Signs of gaming addiction include obsessive thoughts about gaming, neglecting responsibilities, withdrawal symptoms when not gaming, and difficulty stopping despite negative consequences.
Signs to Watch For:
Research has shown boys are twice as likely as girls to develop gaming addiction. Identifying the signs of gaming addiction early is key to intervening effectively. Common signs include:
Preoccupation with gaming: Constantly thinking about games, even when not playing.
Loss of interest in other activities: Neglecting hobbies, sports, or social interactions.
Decline in academic performance: Missing assignments, skipping classes, or lower grades.
Changes in mood or behaviour: Irritability, withdrawal from family, or secrecy about gaming habits
Physical symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, or changes in sleep patterns due to excessive gaming.
Steps to Support Your Child
Open Communication: Foster a non-judgmental environment where your child feels safe discussing their gaming habits. Listen actively and empathetically to understand their perspective.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules around gaming time and enforce them consistently. Encourage breaks during gaming sessions and designate screen-free times for family activities.
Encourage Alternative Activities: Introduce your child to hobbies and interests outside of gaming. Support their involvement in sports, clubs, or creative pursuits that promote social interaction and physical activity.
Seek Professional Help: If gaming addiction persists or worsens despite your efforts, consider seeking professional guidance from a therapist specializing in behavioural addictions. They can provide personalized strategies and support for your child.
Gaming addiction works the same way other behavioural addictions do. It triggers the brain’s “feel good” or reward centre and releases dopamine. This leads to teens craving video games and finding the urge to keep playing.
Building Healthy Habits
Teaching your child to cultivate healthy gaming habits is essential for long-term balance and well- being:
Educate About Balance: Help your child understand the importance of balancing gaming with other activities, such as schoolwork, physical exercise, and socializing.
Lead by Example: Be a role model by demonstrating healthy screen time habits yourself. Show your child how to enjoy technology responsibly while prioritizing real-life relationships and activities.
Monitor and Encourage Progress: Keep track of your child’s gaming habits and celebrate milestones as they develop healthier routines. Offer praise and positive reinforcement for efforts to reduce gaming time or engage in other activities.
Supporting a child struggling with gaming addiction requires patience, understanding, and proactive involvement. By recognizing the signs early, maintaining open communication, and promoting healthy alternatives, parents can empower their children to overcome addiction and thrive in all aspects of their lives. Remember, seeking professional help is always an option if needed. Together, as a supportive and loving family, you can help your child find a healthy balance between gaming and other fulfilling activities.
How can Brookhaven Psychotherapy help?
You are not alone, if you feel like further support is needed Brookhaven Psychotherapy can provide a parenting consultation. In our experience, we find that improvements in a child or teen’s mental well-being are heavily influenced by parental involvement and style of parenting. We can help identify gaps and support you in making changes while remaining warm and nurturing. Parenting consultation sessions can be provided as a one-time session, as several sessions, or in addition to your child/teen’s individualized therapy sessions.
If you think this might be for you, don’t hesitate to contact us today and book a session.
