Video games are always the “cool stuff” for kids, right? But for their parents? Well, not so much! Look around at how times have changed. Back in the day, playing a video game meant visiting an arcade or having access to a computer. Such frictions, no matter what, kept one from feeling overwhelmed.
Fast forward to 2024.
One can play video games on any screen. There are never-ending titles to choose from. Some can also be played for free. But there’s a rub. Leading game developers are working with psychologists to hack players’ minds for longer gameplay and more spending. Similar to the multi-billion food industry relying on extra salt and sugar to tickle young tastebuds.
For parents wanting to keep their children safe in this digital era, it’s more challenging than ever. From managing long exposure to screens to navigating the dangers online, the struggle is real. What matters is understanding your “gamer” child’s emotional impulses and why they fall for video games every time.
Why Your Child Is Hooked to Video Games
It’s normal for parents to think their children are “having a fun time”playing video games. But that’s barely scratching the surface for the real reason. The truth is that this young generation that proudly calls itself “Gen Z” is a victim of a lesser-understood epidemic— loneliness.
Children born between 1997 and 2012 qualify as GenZ’s class crowd. Inarguably, it’s the most ethnically diverse generation that America has ever seen. The youngest in this group is no more than 12 years old, and the oldest will be in their 20s by 2024. The majority are K-12 students, also known as Zoomers or iGeneration. It’s quite an enduring label for the first generation ever with constant access to portable technology.
Yet studies reveal this “bright generation” is miles behind when it comes to creating genuine human connections. Research shows over 70% of Gen Z people feel alone most of the time. Another 30% are unsure how to make friends at school or college.
So, beyond filter-powered selfies and questionable Instagram bios, these young minds feel powerful when armed with joysticks. Video games, especially the multiplayer ones, are now a comforting avenue for young lads seeking companionship and happiness.
Exploring the Thin Line Between “Disorder” and “Addiction”
Gaming addiction is a reality, but it’s the terminologies where things get tricky. Reportedly, WHO added the term “gaming disorder” to their 2018 version of the medical reference book, “International Classification of Diseases.” The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) calls it “Internet Gaming Disorder” (IGD).
Interestingly, IGD belongs to the same section that lists problematic patterns like caffeine use disorder. The DSM-5-TR also highlights substance-related addictive disorders, like alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, stimulants, and opioids. As opposed to chemical use disorders, gambling disorder is the only behavioral addiction listed in DSM-5-TR.
Further, the manual notes that before a condition is called IGD, it must cause “significant impairment or distress.” This idea is limited to a child’s excessive love for video games minus the general internet use. Symptoms of IGD are identified as:
- Preoccupation with gaming
- Withdrawal symptoms in the absence of gaming, like sadness, anxiety, and irritability
- Low tolerance toward non-gaming hours
- Failure to reduce playing
- Unsuccessful in quitting gaming
- Gaming leading to a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Deceiving family members about the hours spent on gaming
- Using gaming as a way to fight negative thoughts, like guilt or hopelessness
- Landing in jeopardy in a relationship or job due to excessive gaming
These symptoms are applicable to any individual, irrespective of their age, whether playing a game alone or with others. With 90% of American children older than two years playing video games, there’s no denying the scale of addiction. The ongoing video game addiction lawsuit shows the very extent to which a parent is concerned.
Over the past couple of years, multiple cases have been filed against gaming giants like Activision Blizzard, Epic Games, Microsoft, Roblox, Nintendo, and Sony Interactive Entertainment. The plaintiffs claimed that the companies worked with behavioral neuroscientists to target young minds. They believe these games have been purposely designed to keep people occupied and spend hundreds of dollars.
According to TorHoerman Law, popular titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty are accused of using predatory techniques to push compulsive gaming. If a child shows signs of emotional instability due to addictive gameplay, parents can always claim compensation.
Practical Tips for Parents to Set Up Healthy Boundaries
As parents, you can do a lot to keep your child safe from addictive gameplay. It starts with fostering an open dialogue about any problem your child might be hiding or is upset about. Here are some tips to consider.
- Set Clear Screen Time Limits: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends an hour of screen time for children aged between two and five. For older children, recreational screen time should be limited to a couple of hours. Using parental control apps can help.
- Encourage them to go outside: There’s nothing like spending time under the warm sun, right? As parents, you must encourage your children to play outside. Doing so will help offset the hours they devote to video gameplay.
- Chalk out a no-tech zone: Identify a particular zone within your house, like dining rooms or bedrooms. Make sure no one uses any tech or gadget there. This will reduce the time your child spends playing games on smartphones and other devices.
- Try to be a role model: Children always mimic adults. So, why not be a good role model? Demonstrate a healthy habit of keeping away your devices (laptops and smartphones) after a particular hour of the day. Let your children pick up on your footsteps and plug off their devices soon.
Addictive game design will always be a burning concern. And there’s no separating Gen Z children from video games. However, parents can always help by setting healthy boundaries. That way, they will be a step ahead in understanding a child’s impulse, which is the need of the hour.
