Q&A for How to Avoid Video Game Addiction

There is a multitude of reasons why people become addicted to video games. A few are: depression, stress, enjoyment taken too far. They can be a way of escaping from real world pressures.

Yes. If playing is the main focus of his life, or if it affects his mood and emotions, he is addicted.

What helped you to escape it? Is there something you were doing before (some way you were filling that video game time) that you've stopped doing? If boredom is driving you back, make a list of activities you could do instead and start doing one of them asap.

Not necessarily, but it depends on the person. For some people, video games are a distraction, and when those games are removed, they are able to focus on other tasks more easily. However, some people just aren't motivated enough to keep up with certain tasks with or without video games. Either way, it can't hurt to take a break and see if your studies improve.

Keep your gadgets somewhere out of sight and focus on studying. Play during short breaks after certain goals have been reached (such as after you've studied for 45 minutes). Reward yourself with a set amount of play-time after your studying is complete.

Yes. I suggest you do not play three hours in a row. This could cause physical issues and will tempt you to play longer. Taking breaks gives you something to look forward to after doing something else.

There is actually always something to do, so this is an excuse. You can study, read books, hang out with your friends, tidy your house, go for a run or bike ride, make up a fun story using your imagination, draw a picture, etc.

Yes, just because the device changes, it doesn't mean the game-playing routines will change.

Wear a rubber band on your wrist and snap it whenever you want to play. Video games = pain.

Talk to him. This could be indicative of a more serious issue like depression. If he's playing that much, he may be trying to escape from the real world, and there's probably a reason for that.

When you're going to play a game, set a time first for how long you want to play. Make it a reasonable amount of time, like 45 minutes to an hour. When the timer goes off, get up and turn the game off and do something else.

Just tell him no. Think about how your parents would feel if they found out you were playing the game, and how much trouble you would get in. When he asks you, firmly say no, and then just walk away.

It depends -- some play games that their favorite YouTuber plays, some just like watching their YouTuber play, and others just want to be famous on YouTube. These days, you can earn money by by getting advertisements on your YouTube videos.

No, not exactly. Playing games once in awhile is totally fine, it can even have benefits! But if you're playing too much, it may be time to seek help.

If you must, uninstall the game. You can always download it later. If it's a console, unplug it and seal it away. It's hard to stop playing video games, but it's not a bad thing if you keep playing them during exams, as long as you study first and get plenty of sleep.

Ask a parent to set a password on the computer. Don't search up the game or that will make you want to try out the game.

Ask them what they like to do, or just suggest you meet up somewhere outdoors so you're not tempted to play video games. You could meet up in the park and play touch football, basketball, tag, etc.

If you must intervene, unplug the game or take out the batteries or make the game not work in a way they don't notice. For example, it they use a touch-screen device, change the password.

Have a set goal in mind for how long you will play each day. If you play Survivor or another long game, say to yourself, "I will play one round." If you play Fashion Famous or Deathrun, say, "I will only play five rounds," and so on.

Yes, and if it isn't, it should be. Becoming addicted to something often times results in unhealthy practices, and gaming is no exception. Eliminating other daily activities just to make more space for playing can drastically downsize one's social life, and disconnect them from friends and family. In short, it SHOULD be a mindset, to protect one's self from over-indulging in their temptations.

Tell your parents to set a supervision on your device and close it after 1 hour. Find other ways to contact your friends but if that's not possible, tell your friends that you only have quality time during term but you can talk more to them during vacation breaks. Something to look forward to!

Not necessarily; if all your other responsibilities are finished and the games aren't having a negative affect on other areas of your life, such as social, then go ahead!

You might be able to escape it by either hiding/deleting the addictive game and start easing off by playing a really boring game; when you are too bored to play that, figure out something you can do in the real world. this includes things like puzzles, board games with family, riding a bike. Talk to your parents too; they will most likely talk to your doctor for extra advice as well.

Talk them through it. If you know you are addicted and you know that your parents are worried, stop immediately. It could lead to your parents getting more angry.

Show them that you are responsible, such as getting off the electronics and getting outside without them asking. Don't have sudden mood changes when they ask you to get off. Get great marks and they'll back off.

Try setting up days where you only play soccer and days where you can treat yourself to a video game. Make sure the video game time is limited so that you absolutely have to stop when the time is up. If this isn't possible, ask your parents to take away the game and gear until you can cope better with balancing life and gaming. In the meantime, put more effort into your soccer.