Signs that your teenager or child is addicted to video games

Posted on by

One of the common activities that you will find children and teenagers doing is playing video games. With the various devices that are present today, it is more convenient for anyone to play their favorite game at any place.  

However, parents and guardians need to be careful because there is a thin line between being invested and addicted to video games. Here are some of the signs that could mean that your children or teenagers are addicted to video games.

No interest in other activities

You can tell that a teenager is addicted to video games when they are no longer interested in activities that they previously enjoyed. They might give different excuses for not wanting to engage themselves in those activities. Rather, they will prefer to spend most of their time playing video games without the feeling of exhaustion.

Drop in academic performance

There might also be a decline in academic performance when a teenager is struggling with video game addiction.

The teenager will become less interested in their academics because they are more focused on their video games. Hence, they are likely to even play games when they have tests or assignments.

Children, Win, Success, Video Game, Play

Withdrawal symptoms

Just like substance addiction, people addicted to behaviors might also experience withdrawal symptoms when they are unable to engage in their addictive behaviors.

When the teenager is unable to play video games for a period, they might become anxious, irritable, restless, angry, unable to sleep, etc.

Inability to reduce playing time

Addicted teenagers may find it easy to cut down on their playing time when it comes to video games. Even when their parents try to put some measures in place to control their playing time, they will find a way to keep playing the video games.

Using video games to manage negative emotions

Another sign of video game addiction is when your child uses it to escape from a painful reality or to treat negative emotions. Hence, if they are feeling uneasy, depressed, sad, etc, their inability to get better depends on gaming.

Treating Video Gaming Addiction

Posted on by

Today, video gaming addiction has become as rampant as compulsive gambling, where players are always striving to win.

Gone are the days when video games were limited to arcades, but now, video games are easily accessible on smartphones, personal computers, gaming devices, etc. This has accentuated the increase of video gaming addiction among children, teens, and adults.

New games are being developed daily with new adventures, new features, more complex tasks, all to ensure the user continues to play.

Although, the idea of video gaming addiction is disputed among people, some view video games as having positive impacts. We must prescribe treatment for this growing illness in the world.

A child or an adult can begin to experience withdrawal from other people physically and psychologically, only wanting to play video games. They can also experience poor performance at work or school as a result of long hours spent playing video games.

Addiction to video games can, therefore, be treated in different ways;

  • Control The Time Spent On Games

This can be the most difficult and important means of treating video game addiction because every other effect is due to the long hours spent on games.

Therefore, controlling the time spent by such a person playing video games will help detach him/her from the game. You can do this by setting a certain number of hours such person is allowed to play video games.

  • Engage The Person With Physical Activities

Usually, video game addicts are so preoccupied with this virtual world that they do not regard physical activities anymore.

Regardless, engaging them in various interesting and fun physical activities could help detach them from the video game. Such that, they will learn to interact again physically with others, it could be a daily exercise.

  • Seek Professional Help

In some instances, you might need to seek the help of a professional in dealing with video game addiction. You can ask your doctor or therapist how best to treat addiction to video games in your child or an adult.

Video gaming is a fun recreational activity, that can become addictive if caution is not placed on the time spent on it.

In case of addiction, steps should immediately be taken to treat such addiction and those mentioned above will be of great help. You can also avoid placing phones or gadgets in your bedroom to prevent night gaming.

The Good Side Of Video Gaming

Posted on by

Video gaming is one thing that generates a lot of negative press, parents are often advised to reduce the gaming time of their children. But mostly, emphasis is placed on the negative impacts of video gaming and only a few people do justice to its positive impacts.

Thus, this article aims to discuss some positive impacts of video gaming, or what is referred to as the good side of video gaming.

It is no secret that are different kinds of video gaming; sports games, arcade, shooting games, cooking games, fashion, so many.

Just as each one could harm a gamer, so also does each have positive effects on the gamer. These effects could vary based on the individual, the kind of video game, and the time spent.

Therefore, some benefits of video gaming include;

  • Builds Cooperation and Teamwork

Video games can be a source for children or individuals to learn teamwork and cooperation. For games with multiplayer and teams, gamers often team up together to attack or defeat an opponent. This act can imbibe the act of cooperation and teamwork, vital traits in the life of an individual. 

  • Tech Savvy

Technology is constantly evolving and it can get difficult to keep track of everything that is happening. But one easy way to remain informed about technology and to be able to operate new tech is by playing video games. Developers use tech like AI, VR to develop video games which makes a gamer familiar with such technologies.

  • Improve Motor Skills

This applies to racing games, which indirectly teaches an individual the basics of driving. Therefore, one gain of video gaming is that it improves the motor skills of a person, especially regarding racing games.

  • Improve Problem-Solving Skills

Video games can also act as an avenue for people to improve their problem-solving skills, reading skills and even math skills. Some investigative or critical thinking games invariably adds to the problem-solving ability of a person.

Video games could also help improve the self-confidence of a person, usually as he/ she advances in levels or ranks.

It brings a sense of self-esteem to an individual who continues to surpass levels upon levels. Therefore, despite its negative consequences video gaming has numerous good sides which can be embraced to develop an individual or gamer.

Tips to Avoid Video Game Addiction

Posted on by

Compared to alcohol and drug addiction, video game addiction is a much more recent malady slowly taking over the modern society. The World Health Organization added “gaming disorder” to the 2018 version of its medical reference book.

Video games are habit-forming, and you must consciously decide to end the practice. If you let them take over your life it, you could be addicted and even become dysfunctional.

Addiction to video games can be very harmful to one’s well-being and social life. The following tips detail how to avoid becoming addicted, and how to recover if already addicted.

Understand the Impact.

Identifying the adverse effects of the compulsion to play video games will help you focus on ways to improving and getting back to healthy hobbies and activities. One way to check if the issue is getting out of control is to reflect on:

  • When was the last time you read a book?
  • How many hours a day do you spend playing games?
  • Do you normally go out on the weekend?

If you are powerless to complete daily routine activities, then it’s time to pause and take conscious decisions.

Take Responsibility.

There is a tendency to blame the manufacturers of the games but the problem lies within the individual, not the game. No attempt at beating ‘addiction’ can succeed until you take the first step of realizing there’s a problem and deciding that the place you’re in is not working for you. Remember, it is not the existence of video games, nor the content of games, but the person who chooses to play them.

Monitor and Set limits.

If you resolve that you have one hour per day to spend playing games, stick to that and select your games accordingly. If you are playing a game that needs many hours of play it is better to consider a different type of game.

You are a parent you need to take control. If your children do not listen to you, removal of the game console or setting of administrative control on the computer may allow you to better handle the problem. Open ended games like Civilization, World of Warcraft, or Evil Genius could be a warning sign.

Stay positive.

While it is important to recognize the harmful results of the addiction problem, if you are taking action to address it, it is also useful to pay attention to the goal and progress that you have made. With appropriate help and support from family and friends, it is possible to get control of the problems before it gets out of hand.

Impact of Excessive Video Games and Addiction

Posted on by

Video games can be an enjoyable part of someone’s day when played as a healthy recreational activity. However, the games which started out as short entertainment episodes gradually evolved to immerse many children, teens, and adults with this new pastime and even addiction.

With an increasing evidence the video game addiction is now considered as a process addiction similar to compulsive gambling where the excitement of winning is the main motivations for playing.

Dangerous Effects

It is also studied that some people experience compulsions that make this apparent pastime to interfere with everyday activities and responsibilities and job performance. For teenagers in school, grades may suffer if they spend too much time playing games and neglect studying. Employment could be in jeopardy if they play games during work time. Friendships and family relationships may be affected when they spend more time with video games and less time interacting with friends and family.

Physical health may also be impacted when a person continuously uses a computer or a game console. Health issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome affects hands and wrists while headaches, back issues and eye problems are other complaints generally reported by gamers. Lack of physical activity due to the sedentary lifestyle could develop weight issues along with other related health problems. In addition, the compulsive behavior of gamers can cause emotional problems, with depression among the top issue for gamers.

A gamer may express anger or irritability more often, particularly when anyone intrudes in their gaming time. On the other hand, when they are away from their game, they are likely have feelings of anxiety and disturbed. In some instances, gaming could become so uncontrollable that they forget to bathe, eat, and sleep.

Video Game Addiction and Warning Signals

People experiencing compulsions to play video games typically exhibit warning signs. Common signs of a problem include a preoccupation with video games to the point of neglecting relationships and responsibilities. Signals to watch for include:

  • Thinking about gaming all or a lot of the time.
  • Needing to spend more and more time playing to feel good.
  • Feeling bad when you can’t play.
  • Not wanting to do other things that you used to like.
  • Not being able to quit or even play less.
  • Having problems at work, school, or home because of your gaming.

Need to seek help

If a compulsion to play games gets out of control and become an issue, it is important to seek to resolve these feelings. Treatment is available which includes behavioral therapy. Regular treatment can help a gamer move past the video game addiction and control the urges. Therapy helps the compulsive person refocus their time and energy on different activities including healthy hobbies.

HANDLING GAME ADDICTION IN TEENAGERS

Posted on by

Game addiction is a rising form of addiction which is prevalent among teenagers. It is something which many parents are worried about because of the detrimental effects which follow.

A teenager who is addicted to games, particularly video games would have an obsessive behavior They would always want to return to the game, and they show irritable and aggressive behavior when they do not have access to the game.

An addicted teenager would find it difficult to sleep. Hence, when it is in the early hours of the day, they are up already, and playing their favorite game.

This obsessive acts results in sleep deprivation, which is disadvantageous to a developing mind. When they go to school the next day, their learning and attention is affected.

Teenagers who are addicted to video games would definitely have other physical problems. Some of them would complain of headaches, back aches and the likes. This happens because, addicted gamers are always oblivious of their personal hygiene.

One of the ways to handle gaming addiction in teenagers, is to talk to them about how life works. You need to explain to them that, there is more to life than having an obsessive desire for games.

They should also be aware that, any success attained in the gaming world is not real, and it does not translate to reality.

You should also set a reasonable time for your child to play games. You can decide to allot one hour per day, and around 2-3hours each weekend.

Doing this would be teaching your child the essence of priorities. The rules regarding the time for games each day should be very strict and not infringed on.

Also, you should not make the mistake of giving more gaming hours to your child as a form of reward, it is best to look to other means. You should also have some disciplinary measures in place, in case your child does not stick to your rules.

Putting all these measures in place would help in preventing gaming addiction, and if your child is already addicted, it can still be effectively controlled.

SIGNS OF A VIDEO GAME ADDICT

Posted on by

Video game addiction is a mental health condition which is affecting lots of lives today. Basically, it is a gaming disorder defined by the International Classification of Diseases, as an outline of continuous or repeating gaming behaviour, which could take place either online or offline, and it is evident by the inability to have control over gaming.

Many people in the world play video games, not everyone happens to be addicted. The major difference between taking gaming as a hobby and an addiction, is the adverse effect which it has on your life.

Basically, an addict would have a certain level of severity which would cause great impairment in the major important areas of your life. Luxury rehabs can help with gaming addictions.

The major signs of video game addiction are as follows:

  • Preoccupation: A video game addict would always cast his mind back to the erstwhile gaming activity, and he would always be expectant of playing the coming game. Before he knows it, it becomes a major activity in his daily life.
  • Withdrawal symptoms: When the addict happens to be taken away from the act of gaming for a while, there are some symptoms experienced. He would be sad, feel the cravings to play the video game, he would also experience boredom and anxiety.
  • No interest in former hobbies: The video game addict would discover that, former activities which keep him thrilled, would no longer excite him. The only thing he thinks about, is video games, as it is the only activity which can keep him ecstatic.
  • Sustained excessive usage: Some video game addicts are aware of the effect of continued excessive use of video games, but they would still continue playing, despite their knowledge.
  • Deceiving those around him: For the fear of not having those around him complain, the video game addict would have most likely cooked up different stories to trick those who are close to him.
  • A medium to relieve negative disposition: Video game addicts see video games as their safe haven, which they can always utilize in helping them get over a negative mood or feeling.

How to Manage Your Gaming Impulse

Posted on by

manage gaming addictionVideo games are literally created to be addictive. Every year, video games are created to be more immersive, more explosive and more attention grabbing. Game controllers now vibrate and make sounds in correlation with the action of the game. In 2014, a gaming console was set up to draw blood from a gamer when their avatar lost blood in a battle – for the worthy cause of donating blood but still through extreme gaming. Video games are harder to resist than ever before, but for those who choose not to lose their lives to video games, there are ways of managing a gaming addiction rather than letting it manage you.

In general, the best method of allowing one’s self a healthy amount of video gaming is by planning and organizing one’s time so that it is balanced between work, play, health and relationships. These four priorities should be balanced equally to be a healthy person in general. Your personal or professional vocation makes up your purposeful time. Your medical practices, exercise and nutrition comprise the time you devote to personal health. The attention you give to family, friends and significant others is your relationship time. And lastly, the time you devote to fun, can include time to game, although it does have to include the other things you do for fun as well.

Even more specifically, plan your gaming time in advance and be prepared to enforce rules on yourself to control your gaming impulse. Decide in advance how much time you will allow yourself to game, considering your other time obligations. As your time winds down, consciously prepare yourself to reach a stopping point. If you find it difficult to limit yourself, make use of an egg timer as an external accountability measure. Controlling your gaming impulse takes time, thought and work, but if you are serious about living in a healthy, balanced way, you too are capable of knowing when to say “no” to video games.

Signs that You May be Video Game Crazed

Posted on by

signs symptoms video game obsessionA person who is crazy about video games is not hard to identify. Unlike many other obsessions, video games are reasonably socially acceptable, so people tend to be very open about their love for them. In fact, gamers are often too open about their love for gaming, to the point of irritating and boring the non-gamers in their lives. A number of video gamers are consumed by their love for video games, to the point that their thoughts, time, energy and money is spent primarily on video games. Below is a list of signs to watch for that may indicate if you are video game obsessed:

  • The time that you spend playing video games flies by like nothing.
  • The people in your life know to avoid disturbing you while you are gaming.
  • Instead of asking you what you want for your birthday and Christmas, your friends ask you which game you want for your birthday and Christmas.
  • When you have a new game you have been looking forward to it might be days before anyone sees you, other than fellow gamers.
  • Game creators can never keep up with your gaming appetite.
  • A number of your closest friendships were created through a headset.
  • You tell people in your life what you love or enjoy about a game even when it is obvious that they are not interested.
  • Your gaming habits have been the topic of a negative conversations with your spouse, significant other or family.

If this list sounds all too much like yourself, it is possible that you are addicted to video games. Video game addiction is a recent phenomenon, but is considered a legitimate addiction. Video game addictions that become out of control can result in damaged relationships, poor health and the loss of jobs or good standing in school. If you think you are legitimately addicted to video games, seek addiction treatment.

 

This entry was posted in Uncategorized.

Crazy About Video Games?

Posted on by

video game crazyFrequently, when someone seems to have too much time on their hands, the advice that comes their way is that they should take up a hobby. Does that mean any hobby is good for you? When it comes to video games, the jury is still out. It is true that video games are a multi-billion dollar industry and that they appeal to a very wide market. It is also true that they have a bad reputation for violence, addictive qualities and laziness. Typically, those who love video games really love them and play them as often as possible. But is this hobby helping or hurting the rest of them?

Some people do not think there are arguments in defense of video games, but there are actually some legitimate ones. For example, video games have proven to increase a person’s hand-eye coordination when played regularly, which translates to their hand-eye coordination in the rest of life. On top of that, some video game creators are deeply concerned with including educational material in their video games. For instance, certain games that are based on a historical war will include facts and trivia for learning as well as gaming, and historical accuracy within the game itself. It is arguable that attributes such as these make gaming a worthwhile hobby.

On the other hand, there are plenty of arguments made against video games as well by people who find them to be a waste of time. When video games became mass produced in the 1990s, one of the first complaints about them was that kids playing them were being inactive. The nature of video games is to sit and stare at a screen, moving only your hands, which is widely regarded as bad for the body. Video games are now associated with weight gain and muscle deterioration. Some video games have also been highly criticized for being very violent video games, and have even been considered contributors to school shootings. Presently, video games are also considered by some to be a legitimate obsession that can require inpatient treatment for addiction, as there are people who game obsessively for days at a time.

1 2