10 Signs Your Child Is Addicted to Video Games

There are some signs that can tell you that your child is addicted to video games. Don't miss the signs that should put you on alert.

Children like video games and they’re guaranteed way to have fun without having to burn energy of any kind. But parents should ask themselves if their children are enjoying a normal and healthy development or if they’re actually addicted to video games.

It’s important to know that between 3 and 10% of players become addicted to video games. While playing, it seems like nothing’s going on, but the reality is that video game addiction can be a problem. If you’re not sure if your child merely likes to play or if they’re suffering from an addiction, then keep reading the following symptoms that will help you clarify your doubts.

Symptoms that reveal that your children are addicted to video games

1. Unusual behavior

A video game addict is often very concerned about maintaining proper performance in order to earn the prize of playing video games. If they can’t, they can have very disruptive behaviors. Even when they’re concentrating on playing, they can appear indifferent, distracted, and irritable.

2. Isolation from family and friends

In the same way, a video game addict is capable of spending long hours in front of the screen, even an entire weekend… They may even lose hours of sleep or forget that they have to eat. Social interaction becomes scarce and the child’s behavior is so isolated that it causes concern.

3. Lack of control

If your child isn’t able to control the amount of time they spend playing video games, or is unable to control their emotional state when the time has come to turn them off because they’ve had enough, it’s time to intervene. Sometimes they may also lose control when rules are set regarding the use of video games.

4. Impulsive habits

Your child may experience the urgent need to play right away and also, if they have money saved, they’re able to spend a lot of money or ask for it to buy more video games, game accessories, or anything else that has to do with the issue. They don’t care how much money is spent, they just wans to get more and more.

5. Wasting their time

Another symptom, when a child is addicted to video games, is that they lose track of time completely. They’ll sit down to play “for just 15 minutes” but end up in the exact same spot 8 hours later without even noticing how much time has passed. Or they may not even care because they prioritize playing above anything else.

6. They seem to live in an imaginary world

It seems like the child that’s addicted to video games likes to escape to the realms of fantasy. Kids who spend a lot of time playing might have a problem dealing with reality. In many cases, video games are a way of escaping from what’s happening around them or not accepting reality.

7. Has negative effects on other areas of their life

Other areas of life may be negatively affected. Video game addicts can grow distant from friends and family and not want to do homework or study, all to spend more time playing video games. Therefore, play can also affect their health, as excessive gaming leads to a sedentary life, etc.

8. Hides negative or uncomfortable feelings

There are boys and girls who use video games to self-medicate emotionally. Children can play a game to avoid difficult situations so they don’t have to face their real feelings realities that make them feel bad and uncomfortable.

9. Shows a defensive attitude and denial of the obvious

When these children are faced with the attitude of another person who tries to make them see their addiction, they may feel confronted and they’ll become defensive by denying the obvious. If they outright deny it and even get aggressive, it’s a clear warning sign that something is wrong.

10. Money isn’t well managed

Video game addicts are able to spend a lot of money on new games, gadgets, and accessories that they think they can’t do without. If it’s a child without money, they’ll ask their parents to buy it for them, becoming very irritable if they can’t get it or if the parents refuse to buy it.