Gaming Addiction or Enthusiasm

Games are great things that many enjoy and also a great way of learning. In fact, at The Premia Academy, provision of practicing different sports and art forms is the medium we chose to instill perseverance, determination, discipline - attributes that come from within. They are not treated as a ‘break from the monotony but in fact, a whole other learning experience in itself. But things can go too far with a hobby! So, at what point does a gaming hobby become an addiction? That’s an important question experts have been trying to answer about playing video games.

Gaming has been around for almost 50 years and studies about its harms are in the early stages. Experts have come to different conclusions about whether problem gaming should be called an addiction.

It is important for parents to know the warning signs of problem gaming addiction. These problems can happen whether games are played online or offline. Here are some of the warning signs:

• Thinking about gaming all or most of the time
• Feeling disheartened when the one can’t play
• Having the urge to spend more and more time playing to feel good
• Not being able to quit or even play less
• Not wanting to do other things that the he/she used to like
• Having problems at school or home because of gaming addiction
• Lying to family about how much time is spent playing
• Using gaming to ease bad moods and feelings
• Neglecting personal hygiene

At present, treating gaming addiction can be obtained in two ways:

• Individualized treatment with a certified and experienced professional for treating addictions
• Group therapy or similar programs if available.

Not everyone who plays a lot has a problem with gaming. Expert opinion says that it is harmful to label people as addicted who might just be very enthusiastic about gaming. But, parents need to be to vigilant about the demarcation between addiction and enthusiasm for gaming. Parents need to make sure that the games are age appropriate and content appropriate. Engaging with the child, playing together, setting healthy limits and actively finding a variety of activities for children to consume online helps . This approach if started at an early age, will keep gaming safe and sensible for most youngsters.