Negative Effects Of Video Games
The bad effects of video games are mostly related to the amount of play and the game content.
1. Aggression in teens:
One of the most detrimental effects of playing violent video games is increased aggression in
children. A comprehensive meta-analysis involving more than 100 research papers has shown
that exposure to violent video games is a causal risk factor for increased aggressive behavior (4).
Some researchers have claimed that violent video games can desensitize children to violence,
and lower the likelihood of a pro-social behavior.
2. Addiction to gaming:
The term ‘pathological gaming’ or video game addiction is being widely discussed in the
medical circles though it is not yet classified as any formal disorder in the US Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Pathological gamers are likely to develop anxiety, insomnia, social isolation, and depression.
Moreover, these factors are co-morbid in the sense that they can influence each other. Therefore,
pathological gaming can result in depression, anxiety, or social phobia and the latter three can
make the child more inclined and attracted to gaming (3).
3. Poor academic performance:
This is one of the side effects of video games on teens. Playing video games for long hours can
affect your teen’s performance in school. Studies have shown that a higher amount of time spent
in playing onscreen games can be associated with lower academic performance.
A survey has shown that 47% of heavy online players got poor grades, while 23% of light users
performed better than them (5).
4. Adverse effects on health:
Excessive gaming can have an adverse impact on the teen’s health as they spend more time
playing virtual games rather than having some physical exercise. This practice increases the risk
of childhood obesity. Sometimes, children also skip meals and sleep to play games they are
addicted to. The constant glare from the screen can also harm the child’s eyesight in the long run.
You can avoid these negative effects on your children if you keep monitoring their activities.
Tips For Managing Teen Media Consumption
As a parent, you can do certain things to mitigate the negative effects of video games on kids’
behavior and achievements.
1. Research and know the content and rating of the video games your teen is playing.
2. Do not install any video game equipment in your kid’s bedroom.
3. Set limits on how long and how often your teen can play the games.
4. Monitor your child’s media consumption from television, internet, and video games.
5. Discuss with your child about their feelings and observations about the games they play.
What is it that drives so much interest in them?
6. Discuss with other parents to know more about certain video games and share ideas to
help each other understand the facet of kids.
7. Be a good role model for your child and limit your own screen time.
8. Talk to the young adults about the various aspects of media, the positives and negatives
of too much exposure to screens, and the balanced use of screen time.
9. Have family time and take up activities that do not involve screens. Or take the initiative
to go out with your family every week or weekend to take a complete break from digital
media. Even one screen-free day in a week can make children realize that the digital world
is not everything.
If your teen is spending excessive time on gaming, then you should look out for the symptoms of
addiction.
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Symptoms Of Video Game Addiction
Do you feel your child is spending too much time playing onscreen? Then look out for these
signs and symptoms:
1. Excessively preoccupied:
If your teen is suffering from video game addiction, they are preoccupied with the game even
when they are away from playing.Video games are harmful if a teen is excessively occupied with
it.
2. Lacks control:
A video game addict cannot control the amount of time they spend on the computer. They might
start playing with an intention of spending just 20 minutes, but prolong it for hours. This impacts
their studies and other hobbies.
3. Neglects other things in life:
Your teen prefers staying home and playing games to going out or spending quality time with
friends. They may also perform poorly in studies.
4. Becomes a spendthrift:
The money you give them or they earn through part-time jobs all goes into buying gaming items.
They continuously upgrade software and hardware packages and accessories and don’t mind the
costs involved.
5. Gets defensive
They do not want to discuss their gaming addiction with you. They snap at you when you ask
them about their time spent on gaming. It is an indication that something is wrong, especially if
they look unconcerned that their friends and family are feeling left out from their life.
Teenage behavior may change drastically if he or she becomes an addict. You must intervene
even if your teen exhibits two or three of the above behavioral patterns.
Measures To Address Video Game Addiction In Children
Pathological gaming must be treated the same way as any other addiction. So, how do you begin
to fight the addiction? Here are some ways to address video gaming addiction among teens.
1. Talk to your teen:
Help your teen recognize their compulsive behavior. They might be adamant and deny that there
is anything wrong with them, but do not lose hope or patience. Tell them how you are worried to
see them spend such long hours gaming. Try not to be judgmental. They may feel embarrassed.
2. Limit the time:
Do not take away their gaming console or computer to bring them out of the problem. They
might become adamant and continue playing outside your home, which could be even more
troublesome. Instead, discuss with your child, and set time limits. Allocate some time every day
when they can play the game. You may reduce the playtime gradually from three hours a day to
two, one and so on.
Encourage your child to stick to the schedule, and set an example by keeping your laptop and
smartphones away.
3. Consult a therapist:
If your efforts at home are not working, take them to a therapist or enroll them in a de-addiction
program. Counseling will lead to the path of recovery.
4. Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT:
The therapist may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on changing the
child’s thoughts and feelings. It is the most popular approach to video gaming addiction. It
involves replacing unhealthy thoughts about games with something constructive and reducing
the time spent on playing games. You have to work on it by giving rewards for following new
rules, making constant reminders to stop playing and involving the teen in other activities (6).
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Video games are not bad or harmful if played within limits, but they are not necessary either.
Too much gaming can make the child detached from outside life. If you have introduced your
teen to gaming, it is your responsibility to know the kind of games they are playing and their
duration.
Do not go against your child or restrict them from doing what they love. Instead, try to
incorporate other activities into their lives constructively.
