“The New Drug”: Video Game Addiction in Teens
Updated and fact-checked May 2024 by:
Christine Zambos, LMFT
A common question parents ask is “Why are teens addicted to video games?”. In fact, the issue of teenagers who play video games and become ‘addicted’ to them has now become a public concern.
According to Game Quitters, 3-4% of gamers are addicted to video games, highlighting the activity’s popularity among teens and its potential link to addiction. Furthermore, 8.5% of youths aged between 8-18 suffer from gaming disorder. While gamers are evenly split between boys and girls, 94% of all gaming addicts are males, and only 6% are females.
Gaming Disorder: A Mental Health Condition
Some call video games “the new drug.” In 2019, the World Health Organization recognized teenage video game addiction or “Gaming Disorder” as a mental health condition. It was officially added to the International Classification of Diseases, ICD-11, in 2022.
Teen gaming addiction has significant effects on teenagers including with:
Academic performance due to poor concentration and reduced study time
Physical health (obesity and sleep disturbances) due to the sedentary nature of gaming
Social skills due to withdrawal from face-to-face interactions
For a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for gaming disorder, it is recommended to consult a mental health professional, such as a counselor specializing in gaming addiction or an addiction counselor.
Parental Awareness and Responsibility
Parents have the responsibility to be aware of these issues and set healthy gaming habits for their teens. This requires a collaborative effort from parents, educators, and mental health professionals to:
Raise awareness
Set healthy boundaries
Promote alternative leisure activities
What is Video Game Addiction?
Teen gaming addiction, also known as video gaming addiction, involves excessive and compulsive engagement in video games, leading to negative consequences in their lives.
This condition is characterized by changes in brain matter, poor decision-making, impulse control, emotion regulation, and an increased risk of substance abuse disorder.
Often, teens with video gaming addiction prioritize gaming over critical activities such as school, social interactions, and self-care, leading to a decline in academic performance and social isolation from friends and family.
Teens may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability and restlessness when unable to play, and they may develop a tolerance, requiring more extended hours of play to experience the same level of satisfaction.
The debate on classifying video game addiction as a behavioral addiction highlights the potential co-occurrence of video gaming addiction with other disorders like substance abuse, further emphasizing the need for awareness and intervention in such cases.
Enthusiasm vs Addiction
Enthusiastic gaming in teens reflects a positive passion for gaming, promoting creativity, teamwork, and cognitive skills but balanced with other life activities, and maintaining school and social commitments.
Problematic gaming behavior interferes with daily life and leads to neglected responsibilities, poorer academic performance, and strained relationships.
Online games, particularly those with multiplayer environments and microtransactions, significantly contribute to addictive behaviors among players.
These games often use psychological strategies to keep players engaged for extended periods, with features unique to online gaming exacerbating addiction through limited-time, exclusive in-game offers and small purchases that can lead to compulsive spending or even a form of gambling.
The impact on adolescents varies depending on factors such as content, time spent, and individual traits. However, parents and guardians should actively monitor and set limits to ensure a balanced gaming experience for their teens.
Video Game Addiction Symptoms in Teens
Warning Signs
What health problems do teenagers with a gaming addiction face? Video game addiction in teens can manifest through a range of behavioral, emotional, and physical signs.
Behaviorally, addicted teens may show increased preoccupation with gaming, neglecting schoolwork, hobbies, and social activities. They may spend many hours playing games, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and neglect of personal hygiene.
Emotionally, these teens may display heightened irritability, mood swings, and anxiety when unable to access their favorite games. They might experience a sense of restlessness and impatience, anticipating the next gaming session. Feelings of guilt or shame may also arise due to neglecting responsibilities.
Physically, video game and teen addiction can lead to health issues such as headaches, eye strain, and fatigue. Prolonged sedentary behavior can result in weight gain and posture-related problems.
Checklist for Parents to Identify Potential Signs
Here’s a checklist to help you recognize signs of gaming addiction:
Recognize these signs of addiction: Look for warning signs such as a decline in school performance, withdrawal from social activities, and increased irritability when unable to play games.
Excessive Time Spent Gaming: Does your teen spend a significant amount of time playing video games, often to the detriment of other responsibilities and activities?
Neglect of Prior Obligations: Is your teen neglecting schoolwork, chores, or social engagements due to their gaming habits?
Withdrawal from Real-Life Interactions: Does your teen seem to prefer gaming over spending time with family or real-life friends?
Preoccupation with Gaming: Do they constantly talk about games, strategize even when not playing, or appear obsessed with gaming-related content?
Irritability and Aggression: Does your teen display irritability, mood swings, or aggression when asked to stop gaming or limit their screen time?
Neglect of Personal Hygiene and Health: Have you noticed a decline in their personal hygiene, sleep patterns, or physical health due to excessive gaming?
Loss of Interest in Other Activities: Is your teen losing interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed, opting to spend more time gaming instead?
Lying about Gaming: Do they lie or hide their gaming habits from you or downplay the amount of time they spend playing?
Escapism and Avoidance: Does your teen use gaming as a means to escape from real-life problems or emotions?
Decline in Academic Performance: Has there been a noticeable decline in their academic performance since they started gaming excessively?
Social Isolation: A common question parents ask is “why would teenagers with a gaming addiction have poor peer relationships? Is your teen becoming socially isolated, preferring online interactions with gaming communities over real-life social connections? This is one of the number one complaints parents have and is a testament to the addictive power of the gaming experience for some teens.
Physical Symptoms: Are there any physical symptoms like headaches, eye strain, or carpal tunnel syndrome related to their gaming habits?
Financial Issues: Have you noticed unexplained expenses on gaming-related purchases or your teen borrowing money to fund their gaming habits?
Neglecting Meals: Does your teen skip meals or show disinterest in eating properly because of gaming?
Inability to Stop: Does your teen find it difficult to stop gaming, even when they have other commitments or obligations?
If you observe several of these indicators in your teen’s behavior, it might be a sign of gaming addiction. If so, it’s time to have an open and supportive conversation with your teen or consider seeking professional help.
Impact on Academic Performance
How can a gaming addiction cause teenagers to perform poorly at school? Teen gaming addiction can have significant effects on school attendance, grades, and relationships.
School Attendance
Gaming teens are at a higher risk of skipping school or arriving late due to fatigue
They may have more absences if they prioritize gaming over attending classes
Grades
Gaming can affect concentration and attention span, making it difficult for teens to stay engaged during lessons or retain information
Neglecting schoolwork can result in lower grades, missed deadlines, and a decline in overall academic achievement
Relationships
A common question parents ask is “why would teenagers with a gaming addiction have poor peer relationships?” Strained relationships with family members and friends are one thing. But many teens may prefer spending time alone gaming, leading to feelings of isolation and detachment from their loved ones or non-gaming peers
Reduced participation in social activities and loss of connections with friends can affect grades and engagement with school activities
Neglect of home responsibilities or avoiding spending time with family, causing conflicts and tensions
A negative cycle, where poor academic performance and strained relationships can contribute to increased gaming as an escape from stress or disappointment.
Causes and Risk Factors for Video Game Addiction in Teens
Psychological Factors
Why are teens addicted to video games? Gaming addiction in teens can be influenced by various underlying psychological factors:
The escape and coping mechanism that video games offer from adolescent stress and emotional turbulence
The reward system in games, such as level-ups and achievements, triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. Teens may become hooked on this cycle of instant gratification, seeking continuous validation and progress within the gaming world
Online social connections can be appealing to those who struggle with face-to-face interactions
FOMO (fear of missing out) of gaming trends or events
Understanding these psychological factors is essential for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to promote healthier coping strategies and balanced use of technology.
Game Design
Video games employ a variety of persuasive rewards, achievements, and progress tracking to captivate players and maintain engagement, tapping into our innate desire for accomplishment and validation.
By skillfully integrating these persuasive design elements, video games create an addictive and compelling experience, ensuring players remain engaged for prolonged periods.
These include:
Variable rewards, where players receive unpredictable incentives, fuelling curiosity and compelling teens to continue playing to discover what awaits next.
Social elements, such as leaderboards, multiplayer features, and online communities, fostering a sense of competition, camaraderie, and the fear of missing out (FOMO)..
Immersive storytelling, captivating visuals, and dynamic soundtracks keep players emotionally invested in the game’s outcome.
Personalized experiences with customizable characters or decision-based narratives heightens player agency and commitment to their in-game choices.
The Impact of Loot Boxes, Rewards, and In-game Purchases
Loot boxes, rewards, and in-game purchases in video games have been the subject of intense debate in the gaming community and beyond about their potential negative effects.
Loot boxes have been criticized for their resemblance to gambling. The random chance of receiving desirable items can lead to addictive behaviors and excessive spending.
Yet these mechanics offer developers a revenue stream that supports ongoing game development and updates, enabling games to thrive long after their initial release.
Their implementation should be carefully monitored to ensure ethical practices and safeguard players from potential harm. Striking this balance is crucial for the sustainable growth of the gaming industry.
Risks of Video Game Addiction on Teens
Physical Health Consequences
Excessive video gaming among teenagers can lead to several potential health issues that may impact their overall well-being. These include:
Sleep disturbances: Prolonged gaming sessions, especially late into the night, can lead to insomnia or irregular sleep schedules resulting in diminished cognitive abilities, mood swings, and reduced academic performance.
Physical inactivity: Teens may spend prolonged hours sitting in front of screens, leading to a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, muscular and skeletal problems, and cardiovascular issues, as well as digital eye strain and vision problems.
Mental and Emotional Health Impact
The Relationship Between Gaming and Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Researchers have explored the correlation between gaming addiction and various negative mental health outcomes. Studies suggest that excessive gaming can contribute to anxiety, depression, and social isolation among adolescents.
Gaming can become a form of escape from real-life stressors, offering a temporary relief. However, prolonged exposure can increase avoidance, isolation and loneliness, disrupt sleep patterns, and reduce physical activity, leading to heightened stress and anxiety.
The competitive nature of online gaming and the pressure to succeed can contribute to elevated stress levels.
Excessive gaming can paradoxically hinder face-to-face interactions, interfere with social interactions and contribute to social isolation, worsening feelings of loneliness and depression.
As a result, teens may find it challenging to build and maintain real-life relationships, intensifying feelings of loneliness and further deepening their mental health issues.
What Can We Do As Parents and Guardians
Teens and video games do not always lead to negative outcomes. Moderation, balance, and a supportive environment are key. Encouraging healthy gaming habits, open communication, and fostering diverse interests can help reduce potential negative effects and promote overall well-being.
Being a positive role model can motivate teenagers to adopt similar habits.
By combining responsible gaming practices with physical activities and wellness routines, teenagers can enjoy video games while maintaining a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle.
Guidelines for Establishing Balanced Gaming Routines
Parental involvement and supervision play an important role in teenagers’ engagement with video games, fostering responsible and beneficial gaming habits.
Understanding why teenagers are addicted to video games and the content of the games their teens play allows parents to address any inappropriate themes or behaviors.
By showing interest in their gaming experiences, parents can guide their children toward games that are not only enjoyable but also offer educational value and promote critical thinking skills.
Also, establishing guidelines together with teenagers encourages their active participation in finding solutions, making it more likely that they will adopt healthier gaming habits.
Here are some guidelines:
Set clear boundaries: Discuss and agree on specific daily or weekly gaming hours. Ensure these limits are reasonable and provide ample time for other activities like homework, physical exercise, and social interactions.
Create a schedule: Help teens create a structured routine that includes gaming time as well as time for academics, chores, hobbies, and family time. Stick to the schedule to instill discipline.
Encourage outdoor activities: Encourage teens to engage in outdoor sports and activities regularly. This will help them maintain physical health and reduce excessive screen time.
Promote educational gaming: Encourage games that offer educational value or promote cognitive development, striking a balance between entertainment and learning.
Lead by example: Be a role model and manage your screen time responsibly to set a good example for teens.
Monitor content: Ensure teens are playing age-appropriate and non-violent games that align with family values.
Engage in open communication: Maintain an open dialogue with teens about the importance of moderation and its impact on their well-being.
The Importance of Open Communication and Understanding
Open communication is essential when talking to teenagers about their gaming habits. It allows parents and guardians to establish a supportive and non-judgmental environment, enabling teenagers to express their thoughts and feelings freely.
Discussing gaming addiction requires a delicate approach of empathy and understanding. Rather than being accusatory or dismissive, adults should acknowledge the potential allure and psychological impact of gaming.
Empathizing with teenagers helps them feel heard and validated, reducing the likelihood of defensive responses.
Open communication coupled with empathy can lead to a stronger bond between parents and teenagers and promote responsible gaming behavior.
Professional Help and Support
Addressing gaming addiction requires a comprehensive approach. It needs to involve parents, educators, and mental health professionals working together.
Recognizing the signs of addiction in its early stages is vital to prevent long-term damage. Early intervention and professional support from a mental health professional, such as a counselor specializing in gaming addiction or an addiction counselor, are crucial for teenagers addicted to video games.
Engaging professional counselors or therapists trained in gaming addiction can provide tailored support and understanding, addressing the underlying psychological issues driving the addiction.
Mental health professionals at Clearfork Academy, can teach teens how to manage stress, build self-esteem, and develop alternative activities that promote personal growth and social connections.
Resources and Further Reading
Game Quitters: Although primarily aimed at gamers trying to quit gaming, Game Quitters also offers resources for parents dealing with video game addiction in their teenagers.
See: Video Game Addiction Statistics 2023.
Center for Internet and Technology Addiction (CITA): CITA offers resources, assessments, and support for individuals and families dealing with technology and internet addiction, including video games and the book Overcoming Internet Addiction for Dummies.
Internet Matters: Internet Matters offers advice for parents on managing online gaming and screen time for children and teenagers.
Key Takeaways
Video game addiction in teens is a real and growing concern that requires parental awareness and proactive intervention.
Recognizing the warning signs of gaming addiction is crucial for early detection and support.
Psychological factors and game design elements play a role in contributing to gaming addiction.
Balancing gaming with other activities and promoting a healthy lifestyle is essential for teens’ well-being.
Open communication, understanding, and seeking professional help are vital in addressing video game addiction in teenagers.
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas.
Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design.
Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
