Kids and Screen Time and Gaming
Did you know that too much gaming can reshape your child’s brain, making it harder for them to control their impulses and stay focused? It’s true! Recent research has shown that it’s not just gaming addiction but excessive gaming behavior (EGB) that parents and teachers should be concerned about.
Here’s the key finding: A groundbreaking study found that an online self-help course using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help reduce excessive gaming behavior. Let’s dive into why this matters, especially for parents and educators eager to support kids in our digital, screen-saturated world.
What’s the Deal with Excessive Gaming?
Unlike Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), which is a diagnosable condition, excessive gaming behavior doesn’t quite meet the criteria—but it’s close enough to raise red flags. Imagine a car that’s speeding just below the point of getting a ticket, yet it’s still dangerous driving. That’s how we should think about excessive gaming.
This study focused on college students, but its implications are important for younger students too. Kids are not immune to the negative outcomes of sustained screen time, such as diminished attention, poor academic performance, and even changes in brain structure (source.)
Why Should You Care?
- Loss of Self-Control: Excessive gaming can hack into your child’s executive function—think of it as the brain’s control tower—leading to issues with emotional regulation and impulse control.
- A Gateway to Addiction: While EGB might not be a full-blown disorder now, it can easily take a dive into IGD, a rabbit hole that’s much harder to climb out of.
- Impact on Grades: Struggling with attention and memory can lead to academic struggles, dampening a child’s potential before it has had the chance to flourish.
An Unexpected Ally: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
You might be asking, ‘How does ACT, typically a therapy for anxiety or depression, help with gaming issues?’ The answer is self-control. Parents, students, and educators might find ACT’s focus on psychological flexibility particularly valuable. It involves skills like staying present, understanding what truly matters, and taking actions based on those values
In the study, students working through the online ACT course showed significant improvements in their gaming habits and overall mental health. The group that engaged with ACT reported gaming less, felt more in control, and showed better academic results.
What Can We Do Right Now?
- Set Smart Boundaries: Just as we create time limits for TV or dinner, set limits around gaming. Know what games your child is playing and discuss them openly.
- Get Involved: Play their games with them. Understand the attraction and use it as a conversation starter.
- Teach Self-Awareness: Encourage kids to notice how they feel before, during, and after gaming. This self-awareness is the first step towards self-regulation.
- Advocate for School Programs: Schools can adopt ACT principles to help students cultivate self-discipline and mindful attention, making learning a shared community goal.
Let’s Talk About It
Discussions about gaming aren’t just for policymakers—they start with us. What’s the biggest mental health challenge you see in schools today? How can schools better support students’ emotional well-being? What’s one school psychology insight that changed your approach to parenting or teaching? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media, and let’s keep the conversation going!
