About 85 percent of American teenagers play video games, and about four in 10 say they play every day, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.
A survey of 1,423 13- to 17-year-olds revealed that they experience both positive and negative effects from video games, from making friends and socializing to bullying and lack of sleep.
Drew Lightfoot is a licensed therapist with Thriveworks, a mental health company with clinics in Philadelphia and the suburbs, and an avid gamer who works with adolescents and young adults who identify as “gamers.”
Lightfoot spoke to the Inquirer about the pros and cons of gaming, what parents should be worried about and how the strategies he teaches his clients are similar to those used in video games. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
What are some examples of gaming strategies that can teach teens coping skills?
As you go through life, you will encounter stressful events that can sometimes be overwhelming. Part of living a fulfilling life is learning the skills to deal with those very stressful situations. A good example is the video game “Dark Souls,” which is a very difficult game to complete. In this game, you progress through stages and fight bosses, but at the end of each boss fight and throughout your journey, there are predesignated rest areas where you can take a break and recover.
With that mindset, I try to identify with my clients, “What is the challenge in your life? What is the boss in your life? What is the strategy that we can come up with to overcome that challenge? And then what reward or rest do you give yourself afterwards?” Because just like in video games or “Dark Souls,” we need rest in real life too.
We hear a lot of negative things about teen gaming. What are some positive things?
These days, we're almost always online, whether it's on a console or on the computer, which means we're always playing with other people. Community building can happen online. So I think for a lot of people, especially introverts, online is a safe space where they can do what they love, but it also opens the door to meeting other people. I think building relationships in these communities can be really helpful for adolescents.
What are the downsides and red flags for parents and teen gamers?
Gaming releases dopamine. It gives you excitement, and anything like that can be too much. I hesitate to discuss video game addiction, because it feels like it's probably overused. There are far fewer people addicted to video games than parents think.
Another negative factor is the toxicity and bullying that can occur online. When you play with others through anonymous screen names and voice chat, they can say whatever they want. Be mindful of the types of people you meet online and recognize when bullying or taunting is coming your way. You may need to take a break or stop playing.
What are the signs of video game addiction?
This is not an official diagnosis. It is a relatively new term that came out of the World Health Organization. Many of the symptoms are similar to alcoholism or drug addiction. An addiction is diagnosed when the behavior is causing problems at home, school, or with friends. You are not eating, showering, or taking care of yourself.
How can teens develop a healthy relationship with gaming?
The conversations I have with parents or families or teens are to set up a more structured framework: “These are the items that need to be completed today. Once these items are completed, you will have free time to play video games.” I think this is how “normal life” works for adults. So I think this is a good way for adolescents to train and develop that skill.
What about healthy sleep habits for teen gamers?
Screen time affects your sleep. If you're really having trouble sleeping and you think video games might be one of the reasons, I recommend eliminating video game time when you're getting ready for bed. So, set an alarm or timer and say, “No video games for an hour or two before I go to sleep.”
How can parents better talk to their teens about gaming?
If someone plays a lot of video games, my first thought is that they're trying to cope or escape from something. So have a conversation and see what they're using video games to cope with. I also encourage parents to ask their kids what video games they play, because some video games might be teaching them skills that you're not aware of.
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