Gaming Addiction
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants
Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants |
When does gaming become a concern?
Gaming and screen time are a normal part of life for most children and teens, and for many young people, gaming is a genuine source of connection, creativity, and enjoyment. But for some, technology use can start to take over in ways that affect sleep, schoolwork, friendships, and family relationships.
If you're noticing that your child or teen is struggling to switch off, becoming distressed when screens are unavailable, withdrawing from other activities they used to enjoy, or that technology is causing increasing conflict at home, it may be worth speaking to a psychologist.
At Spectrum Therapy Australia, we take a non-judgmental, curious approach. We're interested in understanding what gaming or technology provides for your child, and working with your family to find a healthier balance, rather than simply restricting access.
What's driving it?
Gaming and technology concerns often co-occur with anxiety, ADHD, depression, social difficulties, or school-related stress. A psychologist can help identify what's driving the pattern and support your child to build a fuller, more balanced life.
- Spending increasing amounts of time gaming or on screens, often at the expense of sleep, meals, or schoolwork
- Becoming very upset, aggressive, or distressed when asked to stop or when access is removed
- Losing interest in activities, hobbies, or friendships that don't involve screens
- Using gaming or technology to avoid difficult emotions, social situations, or school
- Lying about how much time is spent online, or hiding devices
- Feeling unable to cut back despite wanting to, or despite negative consequences
- Physical effects including disrupted sleep, eye strain, or poor self-care
What might this look like?
How can psychology help?
- Understanding the role technology plays in your child's emotional and social world
- Identifying and addressing co-occurring concerns like anxiety, low mood, or social difficulties
- Building skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and managing urges
- Developing healthier routines and boundaries around technology use
- Supporting parents and caregivers with strategies that reduce conflict at home
- Helping young people reconnect with offline interests, relationships, and activities
For some young people, technology use does naturally find its own balance. But for others (particularly when gaming is connected to anxiety, avoidance, or social isolation) patterns can become entrenched without support. Early conversations with a psychologist can make a real difference.
Gaming can support creativity, problem-solving, and social connection, particularly for children who find face-to-face interaction challenging. The goal of support isn't to eliminate gaming, but to help it coexist with a healthy, balanced life.
"They'll grow out of it."
FACT
FACT
Myth
"Gaming is always a waste of time."
Myth
Removing access without addressing the underlying reasons often increases distress and conflict without creating lasting change. Understanding what gaming provides for your child and supporting them to meet those needs in other ways, tends to produce much better outcomes.
FACT
"They just need their devices taken away."
Myth
Myths and facts about gaming Addiction
There's no single right answer, context matters a lot. Rather than focusing purely on time, it's more helpful to consider whether technology use is affecting sleep, schoolwork, physical health, real-world relationships, or emotional wellbeing. A psychologist can help you assess what's happening for your child specifically.
How much screen time is too much?
Yes, problematic technology use frequently co-occurs with ADHD, anxiety, and other difficulties. If you have concerns about your child's broader profile, an assessment can help clarify what's going on and ensure support targets the right areas.
What if my child won't come to therapy?
Could this be related to ADHD or anxiety?
This is really common. We're happy to start by working with parents to develop strategies at home, which can be very effective on its own. Often, when young people understand that therapy isn't about taking away the things they love, they become more open to engaging.
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