Video game addiction may not yet be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), but it is a major problem. Also known as ‘Gaming Disorder,’ video game addiction comes with the inability to control one’s gameplay. Most teenagers tend to prioritize gaming above all other activities, and they keep playing even when they know it is becoming a problem for them. Here are the warning signs that your teenager is addicted to video games.
No Interest in school and other activities
The more a teenager indulges in an addictive cause, the more the urge to keep going. At this rate, the interest in school work and other activities become less interesting as time goes. Addicted teenagers tend to spend more hours on their game controls. They no longer have time for the activities they once loved, and thus the interest will start to fall. They also begin to isolate themselves from family gatherings and peer groups. The most common pointers are falling asleep in class, dropping grades, and missing assignments. You will notice withdrawal symptoms like anger outbursts or impatience if you insist on regulating the screen time.
Increased Aggression, Anxiety, or Depression
Whenever you try to limit the screen time or prevent your teenager from playing video games, you will notice they become increasingly aggressive and hostile. Sometimes they may become agitated and eagerly wait for the next gaming time. However, the mood changes whenever they are playing video games. They seem to be happier and at peace. Teenage depression is on the rise in Princeton, and the increase in teenage addiction to video games in New Jersey is one of the contributors.
Poor Personal Hygiene and Physical Problems
Teenagers addicted to video games seem so absorbed in gaming that they forget essential activities like showering or changing into clean clothes. Sometimes they may fail to eat or even forgo meals. As this continues, the teenager will eventually disregard their appearance and overall cleanliness. You may also notice the child is constantly complaining of headaches, back and neck problems. This is because constant sitting and playing for hours eventually takes a toll on the body, even if it is a teenager.
Overindulgence in the Video Games
Playing for an extended time is not a cause of an alarm. However, playing for hours, sometimes more than 8 hours, and lying about the time spent is an alarm. If your child is constantly spending alarming hours or repeated days on the screen and lies about it, then it’s an alarm they are addicted to Video games. Sometimes they may be hiding only to play video games. All the signs and symptoms discussed above are not the complete list of video game addiction signs. They are only the commonly occurring behavioral changes that can be seen with anyone suspected of having video game addiction. As a parent, you know your kid better, which means if there is anything out of line, you will notice. Always be on the lookout for the slightest behavioral changes that might be an indication of a problem.
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