Could My Child Be Addicted to Video Games?

The word "addiction" gets used a lot to describe a certain kind of focused attention on screens and tech. We say we're "addicted" to our phones or "addicted" to watching our favorite show. But research shows that 8- to 18-year-olds also use video games and other forms of tech to stay connected with family and friends.

If you have concerns about your child's behavior, you may want to talk with a pediatrician. They can look into what might be causing problems, whether it's game addiction or another issue, like depression. Try to pay attention to whether gaming affects your child's mood, grades, or how they interact with others.

Also consider how much time you spend looking at screens. Make sure you're setting a good example at home. Try to model how long to use devices and when to put them away. And it's always a good idea to encourage your child to do something offline. This includes exercising, spending time outside, and socializing with others.

The Child Mind Institute contributed to this article. Learn more at childmind.org.