Does your child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often play video games on their phone, tablet, or computer? Sometimes you may wonder, "Why is my child so addicted to these games?" You may also be worried that these video games will make your child's ADHD worse and their attention span will decrease. So, what is the real connection between ADHD and video games? Let's talk about this in detail today.
What does the research say?
First of all, the most important thing we all need to clearly understand is that there is no scientific evidence that playing video games causes ADHD. That is a completely false belief.
A large study in Norway, conducted over several years, looked at children's gaming habits from the age of 6, and found something very important. That is, children with more ADHD symptoms were more likely to play video games as they got older. But that doesn't mean that their ADHD got worse because they played games. That is, even though they spent more time playing games, their ADHD didn't get worse.
So, why are children with ADHD so addicted to video games ? Researchers suggest several reasons for this.
Stimulation
Video games are fast-paced, visually appealing, and provide instant rewards. Think of the joy you get when you complete a small challenge in a game. A child with ADHD needs this kind of constant stimulation. That's why they love this fast-paced environment where they get instant rewards. It's also a chance for them to practice a skill on their own terms, escape the real world for a while, and feel good about themselves.
Social connections
Sometimes it's hard for children with ADHD to make friends and maintain relationships with them. But online games give them the opportunity to make new friends easily and play with them as a team. This also helps them develop their social skills to some extent.
Hyperfocus
This is a characteristic that is seen in some children and adults with ADHD. Simply put, they can hyperfocus on something they enjoy for hours on end. That's how your child might be playing a game, so focused that they can't hear you calling their name. This is something that happens outside of their control.
There are also benefits to video games!
For a child with ADHD, video games are not just a hobby. Some games also help them develop many important life skills. But you need to choose a game that is appropriate for your child and appropriate for their age. Some games may contain violence and sexual content, so as parents, we need to be aware of that.
Remember, it's your responsibility to choose a game that's age-appropriate for your child. Be aware of the ratings, from E (Everyone) to AO (Adults Only).
Good choices can be games where you find and assemble different things to build things like houses and vehicles. Look at the benefits of games like this for a child.
| Developing Skill | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Visual-spatial skills | The ability to understand the relationship between things seen and where they are located. |
| Hand-eye coordination | The ability to manipulate hands accurately and quickly according to what the eyes see. |
| Strategy and problem-solving | The ability to think of different ways to solve a problem and choose the best one. |
| Planning and prioritizing | Being able to plan a task before doing it and decide what needs to be done first. |
| Collaboration and teamwork | The ability to work together with others towards a common goal. |
A video game as therapy?
Did you know that in 2020, the US FDA approved a video game that can be used as a treatment for ADHD. This game, called `EndeavorRx`, is intended for children between the ages of 8-12. It is especially suitable for children with inattentive or inattentive-hyperactive ADHD. But it is not something that can be used alone. It is also used in conjunction with things like medication and behavioral therapy .
Also pay attention to the warning signs!
Despite the benefits, some children with ADHD may spend too much time playing video games. Therefore, it is essential that you talk to your child and set some clear rules about game times and time limits.
Also, consider whether playing games will interfere with other important things a child needs to do (playing with friends, spending time with family, physical exercise, homework). Make sure to make a rule that games can only be played after homework and schoolwork are done .
Below are some signs that your child may be having a problem with video games. Be on the lookout for these.
| Signs that gaming has reached a harmful level | |
|---|---|
| - When asked to stop the game, he gets very angry and struggles. | |
| - When you lose a game, you scream and get upset. | |
| - Playing games until dawn or very late at night. | |
| - Lying to parents about the time they played games. | |
| - I prefer playing games alone rather than spending time with family and friends. | |
| - Losing interest in activities that you used to enjoy (e.g., drawing, playing cricket). | |
| - Schoolwork and grades are getting lower and lower. | |
When we play video games, a chemical called dopamine is released from our brains. This is what gives us feelings of happiness and satisfaction. But this is also the same chemical that makes us addicted to things like alcohol and drugs . Therefore, we need to be careful about the possibility of this turning into an addiction.
If you feel like your child's gaming is becoming an uncontrollable problem, please talk to your family doctor or a mental health counselor about it. Don't be ashamed of it. It's the best thing you can do for your child.
Take-Home Message
- Playing video games will not cause a child to develop ADHD . That is a misconception.
- Children with ADHD are attracted to video games because of the immediate stimulation, social connections, and ability to hyperfocus.
- Age-appropriate, creative games can help develop a child's problem-solving and planning skills.
- Agree on a set of rules with your child about playtime and times. Prioritize schoolwork, exercise, and family activities.
- If your child shows signs of game addiction (getting angry, lying, low grades), seek advice from your doctor or a mental health professional without delay.
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