Unhealthy video gaming: What parents can do about it

As we watch our children and teens use screens more often to play video games during the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents wonder: How much is too much?

People are spending a lot more time staring at digital screens. But after your kids log off from school and homework for the day, is it OK if they spend a few hours gaming with their friends? When video game lives replace real-life time with family and friends, is it a sign of addiction?

Let's explore why video games are so appealing to kids and what parents can do to keep gaming in check.

Playing video games is a fun and normal part of teenage life. But there's a small number of kids who have a hard time controlling the time they spend gaming.

Researchers are studying this and learning more about who is at risk and why. During a six-year study, they noticed about 10% of adolescents had symptoms of unhealthy gaming that got worse over time. These kids seem to have a few things in common:

They are more likely to be boys. They play video games at the expense of homework, sleep, exercise or relationships with family and friends. And they may have depression, anxiety, shyness, aggression and problems with too much cellphone use. Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be particularly vulnerable.

This is because video gaming, like gambling, may activate the reward system in the brain, research suggests. Companies often hire psychologists to help design games that make players want to keep playing.

There is not an official diagnosis for gaming disorder in the U.S., but there may be one soon. Symptoms of internet gaming problems are listed in a reference book used by mental health doctors.

Signs of unhealthy gaming habits include when a child is obsessed with gaming, and becomes sad, irritable or anxious when gaming is taken away; wants more and more gaming and is unable to cut down or quit; is no longer interested in other activities they used to enjoy; lies about how much time they spend gaming; or uses gaming to relieve a bad mood.

This is a problem in other parts of the world, too. The World Health Organization recognizes "gaming disorder" as an official condition. And in countries like South Korea and China there are treatment programs to help people hooked on gaming.

There are a few things parents can do to prevent unhealthy video game habits from happening. Staying on top of how much your children use all forms of media can help. Here's how.

• Have a family media plan. Use the academy's online media plan tool to help you map out your child's media diet. Think carefully about what activities the video games might be displacing. Be sure that media, including gaming, isn't crowding out other important activities like homework, exercise or sleep.

• Be mindful about how your child uses electronic devices and video games and what games and apps your child is downloading. Make sure they understand that internet games usually have hidden messages and ads. They also might collect your child's personal information.

• Keep gaming in common areas. This isn't always possible, of course. Teens go off to their rooms with their phones and do schoolwork on their laptops. It's nearly impossible to keep track of everything they do. But to the extent that it is possible, try to keep the activity where everyone can see.

• Play games along with them and set a good example. Not only does this help you see what they are doing and how they are doing it, but it can help put some time limits on gaming.

• Focus on real-world games for younger children. Young children learn a lot when they connect with other people. Encourage them to play with toys, books and crayons.

Set a good example and seek help if you need it. Parents who are hooked on gaming may be more prone to depression. Distracted parents often miss clues that their child needs attention and respond more harshly. If you are struggling to limit how much time you spend playing video games, know that it's OK to get help. The time you spend gaming competes with important moments with your child. It also makes it harder to convince your child not to do the same.

Remember that most children and teens who play video games do not become addicted or have other problems. But when gaming starts to get in the way of other parts of life, it's time to step in. If your child or teen resists your efforts to cut back on gaming, call your pediatrician for advice. Your pediatrician can recognize when a teen is struggling and can get the support your child needs.

• Children's health is a continuing series. This week's article is courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatrics in Itasca. For more information, visit healthychildren.org.