Article brought to use by FreezeNova Games website
Gaming has evolved, and kids have developed ways to play an unhealthy amount without their parents knowing
Key Points:
- Kids who play a lot of video games and may have a gaming disorder will display some or all of these traits, says gaming expert
- Some of the signs include increased secrecy and neglecting personal hygiene
- Expert reveals the most common signs of gaming illness and provides specific advice on how to remedy them
The emergence of online gaming has made it a popular pastime for young people. With this rise in popularity, concerns about gaming addiction have become more prevalent. Excessive gaming can have negative impacts on a child’s health and well-being. When children become addicted to gaming, it can quickly become a hidden problem, making it challenging for parents to recognize and address the issue.
Gaming addiction can have detrimental effects on a child’s mental health, academics, and social life. As a result, recognizing and addressing gaming addiction in children is of vital importance for their overall health and development.
“We emphasize the importance of early intervention in tackling gaming addiction,” says Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova Games, aiming to shed light on the discreet signs of gaming disorder in children. “The earlier the issue is addressed, the better chance of overcoming it.”
Here are the top four signs a child is struggling with a gaming disorder and what you can do to help and educate your child before the problem gets out of hand.
1. Increased Secrecy
Children may hide the amount of time they spend playing games or try to hide the fact that they’re playing at all. According to Marin, “Gaming provides a secret world where kids can escape from their problems and responsibilities. But this can lead to children becoming defensive and hiding their gaming habits.”
Example: Your child used to play games openly in the living room, but now they spend hours alone in their room with the door closed, refusing to let anyone see what they’re doing.
Marin’s Advice: “One of the first steps a parent can take is to have an open and honest conversation with their child about their concerns. This conversation should focus on understanding the reasons behind their increased secrecy and exploring the potential impact of excessive gaming on their well-being,” states Marin.
2. Shift in Social Behaviors
Another red flag for gaming disorder is a shift in a child’s social behaviors. If a child suddenly becomes more withdrawn or uninterested in socializing, it could be a sign that gaming has taken over their life. “Gaming is a social process, but it also can lead to social isolation because it takes place in the child’s room or online,” Marin explains.
Example: Your child used to enjoy spending time with friends and participating in extracurricular activities, but now they constantly cancel plans and prefer to spend all their free time playing games.
Expert Advice: “Introduce your child to other activities like sports, arts, or hobbies that they may enjoy. This can help balance out their screen time and provide them with alternative forms of entertainment and socialization,” suggests Marin.
3. Unusual Changes In Sleep Patterns
Excessive gaming can also lead to changes in a child’s sleep patterns. Due to the stimulation from gaming, children may stay up late into the night playing games or have trouble falling asleep. Longer screen time is associated with shorter sleep duration, poorer sleep quality, and an increased likelihood of having sleep problems.
Example: Your child used to have a consistent bedtime routine, but now they stay up late into the night playing games and have trouble waking up in the morning for school.
Expert Advice: “It’s important for parents to set limits and boundaries when it comes to gaming. This can include setting a daily time limit for gaming, having designated game-free days, or restricting gaming during certain times (e.g., before bed),” stresses Marin.
4. Neglecting Personal Hygiene
For children who are heavily addicted to video games, maintaining personal hygiene becomes a secondary concern compared to their gaming activities. In addition to skipping showers, they may also neglect to brush their teeth regularly or wash their face, leading to a buildup of bacteria and unpleasant odors. This can ultimately affect their overall health and well-being and lead to skin infections, dental issues, and low self-esteem.
Example: Your child wears the same clothes for days in a row and/or makes up excuses as to why they were unable to care for themselves.
Expert Advice: “Seeking professional help and counseling may be beneficial in addressing any underlying issues that are contributing to their gaming disorder.
Neglecting personal hygiene makes it clear that the compulsion to play video games is overpowering the child’s ability to prioritize their own hygiene and self-care,” warns Marin.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova Games, commented:
“It’s important for parents to be aware of the signs of gaming disorder and take steps to address it if necessary. By promoting open communication, setting limits, and encouraging a healthy balance of activities, parents can help their children develop a healthy relationship with gaming and prevent it from becoming a harmful addiction.
“Parents should remain patient and understanding while addressing their child’s gaming disorder. It may take time to make progress, but with consistent support and open communication, both the child and family can overcome this challenge and find a healthier balance in their lives.”
About FreezeNova Games
FreezeNova offers gamers the freedom to enjoy their favorite games without any restrictions. Dedicated to providing free access to a wide array of high-quality, unblocked games, FreezeNova ensures an enjoyable and addictive experience for gamers of all levels. Whether you prefer solo play or enjoy competing with friends, FreezeNova’s community features facilitate fast and easy connections with fellow gamers. The platform fosters a friendly and positive atmosphere, promoting engaging conversations and thrilling competitions. FreezeNova caters to diverse gaming preferences, offering everything from shooters and racing games to puzzles and survival simulators.
CEO Marin Cristian-Ovidiu is a developer with 10+ years of experience in game design and development. Marin first introduced FreezeNova as a brand for indie games when he published Crazy Ball. Established as a start-up company in 2019, FreezeNova’s mission is to develop and publish fun, accessible games that can be enjoyed online by everyone.
Article brought to use by FreezeNova Games website
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Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
