Online gaming addiction is a growing issue in teens. Addressing this problem is important so teens can develop healthy habits around video games and other online activities. One of the main factors contributing to online gaming addiction is how enthralling these games can be. The immersive graphics, challenging storylines, and social interaction features make it hard for teens to step away from their screens and back into reality.
Venture Academy offers electronic addiction treatment for teens in Canada. Contact us at 866.762.2211 or online to learn how treatment can help.
5 Signs Your Teen Has an Online Gaming Addiction
Online gaming can have a powerful and sometimes detrimental effect on teenagers. Since online video game play is typically available around the clock, teens may be prone to developing an addiction that can make it hard for them to concentrate on other aspects of life like school and relationships. By recognising the signs of online gaming addiction among teenagers, parents or guardians can help assess potential risks and intervene before the addiction takes a toll.
Signs your teen has an online gaming addiction can include:
- Unusual changes in behaviour – When a teen’s online gaming habits start to affect their normal daily functions, it may indicate an addiction. Look for sudden and drastic changes in academic performance, sleep patterns, and social activities.
- Becoming irritable when not playing – If a teen is overly agitated and easily frustrated or angry when they cannot access their online game, this may be a red flag.
- Spending more time than usual on gaming – While some gaming is to be expected, if your teen is spending excessive amounts of time playing, this could be a sign that they have become addicted.
- Ignoring other responsibilities – If gaming takes priority over schoolwork, chores, or even hygiene habits, this could be a sign of an addiction.
- Lying about the amount of time spent playing – If your teen is lying to you about how much time they are spending on their game(s), it could be a sign that they have become addicted.
Monitoring your teen’s screen and gaming time, making sure they get enough time in the real world, is a great way to manage online gaming addiction. However, professional intervention may be necessary if the troubling behaviour persists despite your best efforts to manage it.
The Benefits of Electronic Addiction Treatment
If you’re looking for a way to help young people address their electronic addiction, consider the benefits of electronic addiction treatment. This form of treatment can have powerful impacts on teens, such as:
- Teens can learn more effective ways to manage and control their electronic usage
- They can be connected with resources that provide guidance in developing healthy tech habits
- Through evidence-based treatments, teens can gain insight into how their relationship with technology is affecting them and learn strategies to manage it better
- Electronic addiction treatment offers a safe space where teens can explore anxieties, fears, and other issues related to their technology use without any judgment or shaming
- Teens will be provided with an understanding of their behaviours and how they can develop healthier ones
- The treatment also provides education on the consequences of excessive tech use, such as its impacts on physical and mental health
- Teens will learn essential coping skills to help them manage future cravings for excessive electronic use
Electronic addiction treatment can be a powerful tool for helping young people develop healthier habits and relationships with technology. If you are looking for additional information on how to best support teens in managing their tech use, contact Venture Academy today.
Find Help for Teen Gaming Addiction at Venture Academy
By addressing online gaming addiction, we can help teens develop healthy habits and prevent them from forming unhealthy relationships with video games in the future. Taking preventive steps and reaching out for professional help when necessary will help ensure that teens have a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. Contact Venture Academy online or by calling 866.762.2211 to learn how electronic addiction treatment can help your teen.
