Taming the Pixelated Monster: A Guide to Healthy Gaming for Youths

By Andy Anderson

 

Video games are a constant presence in today's youth culture. While they provide entertainment, social connection, and cognitive benefits, excessive gaming can lead to severe problems. This blog post will explore the potential downsides of problematic gaming and equip parents and educators with tools to foster healthy gaming habits in youngsters.

Understanding the Risks

Research by Gentile (2009) suggests that problematic gaming can manifest in several ways, impacting a youth's mental health, social life, academic performance, and even finances. Excessive gaming has been linked to anxiety, depression, and negative moods (King & Delfabbro, 2021). Gaming addiction can lead to social isolation and hinder a young person's ability to develop strong face-to-face interaction skills. Studies have also shown a correlation between problematic gaming and neglecting schoolwork (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Financial strain can also be a concern, especially for younger gamers, as in-app purchases and loot boxes can lead to unexpected financial burdens (Shiers, 2020).

Beyond the Blame Game

It's important to acknowledge that video games themselves aren't inherently bad. Przybylski et al. (2009) highlight the potential for games to foster motivation and positive social interaction when played moderately.

Empowering Parents and Educators

There are several strategies that parents and educators can utilize to promote healthy gaming habits in youths. Open communication is vital. Talk openly with children about responsible gaming, financial literacy, and the potential risks associated with loot boxes (Barkley & Benton, 2013a). Setting boundaries is also essential. Utilize parental controls to limit in-game purchases, set time limits, and encourage breaks (Forgatch et al., 2017). Helping young people find a healthy balance is essential. Encourage engaging activities outside the digital world, like sports, hobbies, and spending time with friends and family. And if you suspect gaming addiction, consider consulting a mental health professional with expertise in adolescent behavior (Hoffman & Bacchus, 2009).

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Effort

Combating problematic gaming requires a collaborative effort. Parents, educators, and even game developers can all play a role in promoting responsible gaming practices. Future discussions could explore the potential benefits of moderate gaming and delve deeper into fostering intrinsic motivation for healthier gaming habits. Additionally, exploring resources for parents beyond behavioral training approaches, like those offered by Kazdin (2008), Barkley (2013), Barkley & Benton (2013), Barkley & Robin (2013), and Forgatch et al. (2017), could be beneficial.

By working together and fostering open communication, we can create a safer and more balanced gaming environment for our youth. Remember, gaming can be fun and engaging, but moderation and awareness are key.

 

 

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org/doi/book/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Barkley, R. A., & Benton, C. M. (2013a). Your Defiant Child: Eight Steps to Better Behavior. Guilford Press.

Barkley, R. A., & Robin, A. L. (2014). Defiant teens: A clinician's manual for assessment and family intervention. Guilford Publications.

Forgatch, M. S., Patterson, G. R., & Friend, T. (2017). Raising cooperative kids: Proven practices for a connected, happy family. Red Wheel/Weiser.

Gentile, D. A. (2009). Pathological video game use among youth. Addictive Behaviors, 34(10), 925-931. https://europepmc.org/article/MED/21242221

Hoffman, A. M., & Bacchus, J. (2009). Parent behavioral training for youth with internet gaming addiction. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 18(4), 477-487. [[invalid URL removed]

Kazdin, A. E. (2008). Parent management training: Treatment for oppositional, aggressive, and antisocial behavior in children and adolescents. Oxford University Press.

Przybylski, A. K., Rigby, C. A., & Ryan, R. M. (2009). The motivational pull of video games: A self-determination theory approach. Human Communication Research, 35(4), 434-460. https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/SDT/documents/2006_RyanRigbyPrzybylski_MandE.pdf

 

Video game addiction articles. (2019, March 16). Video Game Addiction https://www.video-game-addiction.org/video-game-addiction-articles

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