Many teenagers love to play video games. Not every teen who plays video games has a problem. But it is a problem for some. What does it look like for your teen? Have you noticed they have healthy friendships, are active in their school, and making good grades? Do they like to do things besides play video games?

Or, do they only want to play video games and cannot stop talking about it? Do they become irritable when games are taken away and do not have any good supports? If you are unsure, talk to your teenager. Get to know their perspective on playing video games.

There are positives and negatives for playing video games. Here are a few signs to know if your teenager has a healthy or unhealthy relationship with playing video games.

Healthy Gaming

One positive of playing video games is they can help increase processing speed. Many games require players to make quick reactions and pushes them to process information to make decisions fast. Video games also help with problem-solving. There are many kinds of challenges and puzzles in video games. Players must think through different ways to play in order to accomplish the task at hand.

Gamers can also work on teamwork skills. Many games are played online in real-time with others on a team. They have to communicate effectively with each other in order to win. This is a common way for gamers to make friends too. Gaming can also be a positive way to relax. They are fun and a good way to unwind after a stressful day.

Like gambling, some can even make a living by playing video games.

Video games can add value to your teenager’s life. The key is moderation. A teen who is using gaming as a healthy hobby is one who has a well-balanced life. They are doing well in school. They have good friendships and feel part of a group. They enjoy other activities besides playing video games. Video games are not the center of their life.

Unhealthy Gaming

Video games can have their benefits, but there are negatives. Here are signs that gaming could be an unhealthy activity for your teen.

• Video games are the center of their life and causing problems for them
• They become angry or upset when their games are taken away
• They steadily increased their time gaming
• They tried to stop playing video games but could not
• They lost interest in activities they used to enjoy
• They continue to play games even when they know it causes problems for their personal, family, and social lives
• They deceived family members and others about amount of gaming they are doing
• They are using games to escape or relieve a negative mood
• Their grades dropped or are dropping because of their gaming

If your teenager meets five or more of these signs, then gaming could be a problem for them.

What is Gaming for Your Teen?

Here is the main question to ask yourself: Are video games adding value to your teenager’s life? If the answer is objectively yes, then playing a moderate amount of video games is a healthy outlet for them. But if the answer is no, then maybe they should re-evaluate what gaming is doing for them. Encourage activities that will add value and life to your teenager, not take away from it.

Talk to your teen’s pediatrician if you are concerned about your teen’s video gaming. Call Jeremy Edge, LPC at 214-433-2721 if you have questions about video games and how they are affecting your teen.

Jeremy Edge is a licensed professional counselor and the owner of ESCAPINGTHE.COM, PLLC. He provides counseling services for those struggling with Internet addictions and screen-related problems. Visit his website at www.escapingthe.com for more information and resources about problematic Internet use and how to get help.