Excessive gaming can have detrimental effects

Video games offer benefits, but it is vital for parents to recognise and address the dangers of gaming addiction.

The activity has become an integral part of children’s lives, and although it can offer entertainment and even educational benefits, it also poses significant risks – particularly addiction. Excessive gaming can have detrimental effects on children’s physical health, mental well-being, social skills, and academic performance.

The impact on physical health is a primary concern of excessive gaming. Long gaming sessions often lead to an inactive lifestyle, which can result in obesity, poor posture, and strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome (pressure on a nerve in the wrist that causes tingling, numbness and pain in the hand and fingers). Extended screen time can cause eye strain, headaches, and sleep disturbances, as well. The lack of physical activity can delay a child’s overall physical development and contribute to long-term health issues.

Mental health implications include increased levels of anxiety, depression, and irritability. The captivating nature of video games can lead to escapism, where children use gaming to avoid real-life problems and responsibilities. This distraction can create a dependency on gaming as a primary source of happiness, which can be difficult to break.

Excessive gaming can affect the development of essential social skills. Children who spend most of their time gaming may miss out on important face-to-face interactions, leading to social isolation. This isolation can affect their ability to communicate effectively and build relationships. Online gaming communities can provide a sense of ‘belonging’ but they can also expose children to cyberbullying and negative influences. This could impact on their social development.

A decline in academic performance is another risk associated with gaming addiction. Children who prioritise gaming over schoolwork probably struggle to concentrate on their studies. The distraction of gaming can also lead to procrastination, cutting down on the time for homework and study. This could affect their educational progress.

Considering these dangers, it is important for parents to take steps to manage their children’s gaming habits – and prevent addiction.

Here are some ways to help you strike a balance:

• Establish clear rules about when and how long your children can play video games, ensuring that gaming does not interfere with homework, chores, or family time.
• Encourage your children to engage in a variety of activities that promote physical, social, and intellectual development. Sport, hobbies, reading, and outdoor play provide healthy alternatives to gaming and can help children develop various interests and skills.
• Be aware of the games your children are playing. Is the content age-appropriate? Does it contain excessive violence or other harmful themes?
• Discuss the potential risks of excessive gaming and encourage your children to share their gaming experiences. This can help you understand your children’s gaming behaviour and address any issues that may arise.

However, a healthy relationship with gaming can help develop physical skills; it can benefit a variety of brain functions, including decision-making; and it can help with psychological problems. If, however, your child’s gaming habits become problematic, we at Capulum College – with the help of therapists and counsellors specialising in gaming addiction – can provide support and strategies to help your child overcome his/her dependency on video games. Visit this site, and share the result with us if you are worried about your child’s gaming habits and behaviour