By: Chris Klotz, VGA Legal Team Attorney, Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz
As a part of the legal team handling video game addiction (VGA) cases at Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz, I’ve had the opportunity to hear personally from the families and children suffering addiction to gaming. Over the course of 2024, I’ve interviewed many parents and children victims of VGA, documenting the depth of this growing problem. Understanding the parents and children’s stories has highlighted an urgent need for awareness and action for this unfolding societal tragedy.
Understanding the Growing Threat of Video Game Addiction
In this digital age, video games are now an ever-present part of children’s lives. While gaming can offer entertainment and even limited educational benefits, excessive gaming, unmonitored gaming and predatory game design can lead to addiction. It is especially concerning in minors whose brains are still in the developmental phase, usually before 18 years of age. As parents and caregivers, it’s crucial to understand the risks and consequences of video game addiction to protect our children’s well-being.
The prevalence of video game addiction among minors is alarming. Studies show that nearly all American children and teenagers play video games, with 97% of boys and 83% of girls engaging in gaming on at least one device. More concerning is that approximately 8.5% of children and teenagers under 18 worldwide may be addicted to gaming. This addiction rate is reported to have increased by 4% since 2007, highlighting the growing nature of this problem.
How Video Games Are Affecting Children’s Health and Education
Through my interviews, I’ve encountered disturbing cases that illustrate the severe impact of video game addiction on children’s lives. Some children have become so engrossed in gaming that they neglect basic needs, including eating and personal hygiene. Parents have reported their children skipping meals or refusing to leave their gaming stations to eat, leading to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss. Some have been so severe that the parents have discussed the concerns with their children’s pediatricians.
Social isolation is another concern. Many children have disengaged from interactions with friends and family, preferring the virtual world to real-life relationships. One mother told me that her child used to play with the neighborhood kids all the time, but now will slam the door in their face and tell their friends to go away if they come to the house and knock while the child is mid-game. This withdrawal from social activities can hinder the development of crucial interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
Academically, the consequences can be severe. I’ve spoken with families whose children have experienced dramatic drops in their grade averages due to video game addiction. In some cases, these academic declines have led to children being placed on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) at school, requiring special educational support to address the learning gaps created by their addiction. From what I have learned, this comes from both a lack of sleep due to gaming and from a lack of attention to studies at home. Addicted children are much more likely to have school suspensions from behavioral issues.
One of the most universal symptoms of video game addiction is the disruption of sleep patterns. Quantity and quality of sleep for young children and teens is so important to healthy development. Many children stay up late into the night gaming, usually without parental knowledge, resulting in chronic sleep deprivation. This lack of sleep not only negatively impacts their overall health and well-being but also makes it harder for them to focus at school and maintain their grades. The cycle of poor sleep, decreased academic performance, and increased gaming as an escape mechanism can be particularly difficult to break.
Recognizing Gaming Addiction: DSM-5 Guidelines
Recognizing the severity of this problem in 2013, the American Psychiatric Association has included “Internet Gaming Disorder” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a condition warranting further clinical research. The DSM-5 lists the following criteria for diagnosing Internet Gaming Disorder:
- Preoccupation with gaming,
- Withdrawal symptoms when gaming is taken away,
- Tolerance, the need to spend more time gaming,
- Unsuccessful attempts to control participation in gaming,
- Loss of interest in previous hobbies due to gaming,
- Continued excessive use of games despite knowledge of psychosocial problems,
- Deceiving family members or others regarding the amount of gaming,
- Use of gaming to escape or relieve a negative mood,
- Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job, or educational opportunity due to gaming.
To meet the diagnosis, an individual must exhibit five or more of these symptoms over a 12-month period.
The impact of video game addiction on minors can be severe. Physically, it can lead to sleep deprivation, causing difficulty waking for school and increased absenteeism. The sedentary lifestyle associated with excessive gaming can potentially cause weight gain and posture-related problems. Prolonged screen time may also result in eye strain and headaches and hand-joint issues.
Mental and emotional health can suffer significantly. Video game addiction has been linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and aggression in children. It can also lead to difficulties in managing emotions and controlling impulses. Some writers suggest that excessive gaming may decrease levels of compassion, creativity, and interest in learning, and enhance the risk of ADHD or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
Parental Strategies for Managing Video Game Addiction in Minors
As parents, it’s important to understand that video game manufacturers are not passive players in this issue. Many have hired experts to design game interfaces that are highly addictive and difficult to disengage from. There are patents for addictive computer codes. These designs often incorporate psychological techniques to keep players, especially children, hooked for extended periods. Features like in-game rewards, social connections, and continuous content updates are carefully crafted to maximize player engagement, sometimes, in my opinion, at the expense of the player’s well-being. These devices can be seen in many forms, including in-app purchases, season passes or other immediate game rewards that artificially increase the release of dopamine in children’s brains.
As stewards of our children and caregivers, we may not even be aware that these harms are enticing our kids until it’s too late. As a society, we all play a crucial role in identifying and addressing video game addiction in minors. Setting clear boundaries and time limits for gaming is essential. Encourage a balanced lifestyle with diverse activities and interests. Foster open communication about gaming habits and potential risks.
For families seeking help with video game addiction, there are several resources available to familiarize yourself with game addiction issues. There are starting points and not endorsements:
- Online Gamers Anonymous (OLGA): A 12-step program offering support for gamers and their loved ones.
- The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction: Provides education, treatment, and resources for technology-related disorders.
- ReSTART Life: A residential program specifically designed for internet and video game addiction.
- Local mental health professionals: Many therapists and counselors now specialize in technology addiction.
- School counselors: They can often provide initial guidance and referrals to appropriate resources.
- Your child’s pediatrician has certainly been hearing more about these issues and is a good place to start a conversation.
Parents can explore parental control software and apps that help monitor and limit gaming time. Many gaming consoles and devices now offer built-in parental control features that can be utilized to manage gaming habits. Unfortunately for our children, the gaming industry does not build in very effective ways to limit children’s gaming time and intensity inside of their games.
It’s crucial for parents to stay informed about the games their children are playing and to engage in open dialogues about responsible gaming. Creating a family media plan that outlines clear rules and expectations for screen time can be an effective strategy in managing gaming habits.
Healthy Gaming Habits: What Parents Need to Know
Remember, it’s not about demonizing all video games, but rather ensuring they remain a fun, controlled part of a child’s life rather than its centerpiece. By understanding the risks, recognizing the signs, and taking proactive steps, we can help protect our children from the dangers of excessive gaming and promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle. As we continue to navigate this digital age, it’s our responsibility to equip our children with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain a healthy relationship with technology, including video games.
If you or a loved one has any questions about video gaming addiction and your legal rights, don’t hesitate to contact one of our video game addiction legal team members.