Video game addiction in children: symptoms and treatment

In light of the rapid digital revolution sweeping the world, video games have become an integral part of the daily lives of children and teenagers. While some games may offer benefits in developing mental skills, their excessive use has turned into a worrying phenomenon known as "video game addiction," a challenge facing families in various societies.

General context and evolution of the concept of gaming addiction

Gaming is no longer just a form of fleeting entertainment as it was in past decades; it has transformed into a massive industry that relies on sophisticated psychological techniques to keep players engaged for as long as possible. This issue gained international traction after the World Health Organization (WHO) included "gaming disorder" in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), confirming that we are facing a genuine health and psychological problem, not just a passing behavior.

Recent estimates indicate that the prevalence of this disorder ranges between 6% and 15% among younger age groups, which calls for conscious intervention from parents to understand the psychological and social dimensions of this phenomenon.

Why do children fall into the trap of digital addiction?

There are many reasons that drive a child to escape into the virtual world, the most prominent of which are:

• Escaping reality: A child may resort to games as a way to deal with family problems, school bullying, or emotional emptiness, as he finds in the game a safe environment in which he controls the course of events.
• Brain reward system: Many games are designed to stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain through quick and continuous rewards, creating a strong desire to repeat the experience.
• Social phobia: Children who have difficulties in direct communication find refuge in virtual communication behind screens.

Warning signs: How to detect your child's addiction?

Parents should pay attention to several warning signs that may indicate the child has entered a dangerous stage:

• Severe mood swings and excessive nervousness when trying to reduce playtime or remove the device.
• His academic performance deteriorated and he lost interest in the hobbies he used to practice.
• Neglecting personal hygiene, and sleep and eating disorders due to constant preoccupation with playing.
• Social isolation and preferring the virtual world over spending time with family and friends.

Effective treatment and prevention strategies

Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive educational and psychological plan:

• Regulation, not prohibition: Setting strict and clear rules to determine gaming hours, while ensuring that devices are not used before bedtime.
• Healthy alternatives: Encouraging the child to exercise, read, or learn manual and artistic skills to fill free time positively.
• Psychological support: In advanced cases, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be necessary to modify thought and behavior patterns, and sometimes drug intervention if addiction is accompanied by other disorders such as depression.
• Strengthening family bonds: Spending quality time with children and sharing their interests reduces their need to seek acceptance in virtual worlds.