Rising numbers of children receive professional help for video game addiction

Parents seek professional help for video game addiction among their children

As the popularity of video games continues to grow, so does the concern over addiction among young people. Parents of male video game addicts are turning to trained professionals to help their kids kick the habit. The UK’s taxpayer-funded National Health Service opened a gaming disorders center in London in 2019 to provide support for individuals who have struggled with the condition.

Dr. Henrietta Bowden-Jones, who founded and heads the National Centre for Gaming Disorders has treated hundreds of teenage boys at the center. Several patients have violently attacked parents who cut off access to popular games such as Fortnite and Call of Duty, illustrating the intense and sometimes harmful cravings that can accompany addiction.

The impact of excessive gameplay on children and families

The immediate response of parents to take everything away leads to aggression and violence both in terms of the child to the parents and the child to siblings that can traumatize the family. This is because video game addicts play up to 14 hours a day, skipping school and going without sleep to feed their addiction. These behaviours can lead to significant harm not only for addicts themselves but also for their families – another reason why it is important for professionals to intervene with an appropriate treatment plan.

An overview of treatment options

The average age of video game addicts referred to the gaming disorders center is 17. Video game addicts usually receive 12 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy aiming to limit gameplay time to around two hours a day. Bowden-Jones advises not to cut off video games entirely; instead, addicts must learn to limit their game-playing time to a manageable and healthy level while pursuing other hobbies and re-engaging with schoolwork.

Treatment facilities have been set up across the US, including inpatient centers in Redmond, Washington, demonstrating how widespread this issue is. Video game addiction is not confined to the UK and classified as a mental health condition by the World Health Organization. Early diagnosis of a gaming disorder is key to successful treatment.

Patients are treated by psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and therapists. Sessions are mostly online and include family consultations, parent workshops, and one-on-one therapy. Anyone who thinks they need help should contact their GP or refer themselves on the center’s website.

Gaming addiction and its effects on children

Psychologists have warned against taking away gaming consoles from children showing signs of addiction as it can lead to physical violence and become a police matter. The National Centre for Gaming Disorders recognizes gaming addiction as a disorder and has seen teens gaming up to 14 hours a day.

Call of Duty, Fortnite, FIFA, Angry Birds, War Zone and Minecraft are some of the games causing addiction issues. Mobile apps like Roblox, Angry Birds, and Clash of Clans have also caused addiction issues. Addiction can lead to acts of aggression and self-harm, skipping meals, and avoiding personal hygiene.

Online gaming platforms like Twitch and Steam exacerbate addiction due to teaming up with people from different time zones. Addictive ‘loot boxes’ have been compared to virtual slot machines and have led to children stealing money from parents to pay for them. Government ministers in the UK have rejected calls to ban loot boxes and will focus on ‘industry-led’ protections within the sector.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gaming addiction tends to be associated with impulsive behavior and less emotional regulation. Group therapy has been successful in reducing gaming addiction and improving mental health but it remains important for parents to seek help from the National Centre for Gaming Disorders if they notice symptoms of gaming addiction in their family. The six criteria for gaming addiction include salience, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict, and relapse according to an expert in behavioral addiction.

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