Excessive gaming amongst young people is becoming an increasingly alarming issue. In fact, it is so notorious that the World Health Organisation now recognises ‘gaming disorder’ as a mental health condition.
With games now available online and offline, on consoles, computers, laptops, tablets, phones and even in some cars, this pastime is more accessible than ever. However, students, parents and teachers are still largely unaware of its addictive nature and the negative effects of excessive gaming. To name just a few concerns, gaming addiction has been linked to:
Which means it is important that young people are not only informed of the potential risks involved with gaming excessively but are also given strategies to combat these negative effects. To address this, we’ve come up with five do’s and don’ts to manage gaming time and remain healthy.
Read on for our practical tips to address excessive gaming…
Do: Complete your work first
If gamers want to maintain a healthy balance, a great first step is to develop a routine where work comes before gaming. Research has shown that student gamers spend 30% less time reading and 34% less time on their homework, which can have an unfortunate impact on academic success.
Therefore, it is important that student gamers set up healthy routines, where they only allow themselves to play games once they have completed the necessary work. A useful strategy may be the “work before play” rule, in which gaming is only allowed after a student has completed all their homework or revision. Alternatively, students and parents may be able to set up a reward system where, for example, students would be allowed the game for an hour after studying for a specific length of time.
Don’t: Lose sleep over it
It’s common to lose track of time when playing games, and if left unchecked, this can then eat into sleeping time. Studies suggest that 24% of adolescents are gaming after 9pm, which can not only prevent students from getting the hours they need before school but can also affect the quality of sleep that they get when they eventually go to bed. Gaming late into the night has been associated with higher levels of daytime sleepiness and an increase in the time taken to fall asleep, particularly if games are violent.
This is particularly important because poor sleep is associated with a range of problems. Across various studies, sleep deprivation has been linked to:
- A decline in memory
- Lower concentration levels
- Increased focus on negative thoughts
- Poorer academic achievement overall
As a result, it may be possible that addressing problematic gaming habits can in turn improve a wide spectrum of other issues. At the very least, aiming to stop gaming an hour before bed could lessen some of the negative effects gaming has on sleep.
Do: Set a time limit
Learning to manage your time effectively is a skill that can help students both in and outside school. Unfortunately, it is a skill that adults, and particularly students, struggle with.
Poor time management can often end up intertwined with excessive gaming. To manage this, it may be best to set a clear stop time, no matter where you are in the game. Alternatively, it may be a good idea for students to set up a timetable where they schedule in what they would like to achieve in the upcoming week. This can help students balance their time more effectively and figure out when the best time to stop gaming is.
Don’t: Spend too much time alone in your room gaming
Gaming shouldn’t come at the expense of social experiences and human connection. Research has shown that gaming can isolate students, have a negative impact on their social skills and harm the quality of the relationships that they develop with friends and family. Students need to remember that social interactions and having friends and family around them are important, as they can offer essential support, guidance and companionship in times of need.
One idea may be to keep gaming devices in communal spaces in the home. This way, children cannot game alone in their rooms, leading to more family interactions and better monitoring of the games they are playing.
Do: Get exercise
Exercise is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle, and something that should definitely not be replaced by long hours of gaming. The NHS recommends anyone aged from 5 to 18 years old should at least achieve 60 minutes of moderate exercise per day, something that will not be possible behind a screen.
Research has shown exercise can bring a wide range of benefits. Studies show that physical exercise can enhance your mood, boost your self-esteem, and improve your well-being as a whole. Regular exercise can also help students academically, such that research found concentration levels were 21% higher when individuals completed a 45-minute workout at lunchtime.
It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Students might just need to be reminded that simple activities, such as walking your dog, playing sports with friends, or following online workout videos at home, can all contribute to their overall fitness level and drag them away from their devices.
Final thought
It is important that students have strategies to keep on top of their gaming habits and ensure they are still allocating the necessary time to their academic studies, socialising and physical activity. As with most things, gaming is probably best done in moderation.
For more tips and resources, check out our guide to electronics and mobile phone management for students.
