Digital games are played via a smartphone, tablet, computer or game console. If you no longer have control over your gaming and 'wanting to play' turns into 'needing to play', you may be struggling with problematic gaming behaviour or addiction.
When I was gaming online with friends, it could take hours. Sometimes the sun was rising by the time we finally went to bed.
Gaming is more common among males than among females. 10% of young adults meet up with friends online at least once a week to play games. Most young people do this without problems, as a hobby or a fun way to relax. However, for 3% of the Belgian population aged 18 and over, gaming becomes problematic, which manifests itself in neglecting other activities such as studies, personal hygiene and friendships. This mainly affects males.
There are several reasons why people of all ages love games:
Games can help you refine specific skills, such as problem-solving, reaction time, spatial and strategic awareness and even social skills. In many games you need the help of others to progress, so you learn to cooperate, which can also be useful in real life.
Gaming can have negative effects too. Gamers often sit for long periods of time in front of a screen, in one and the same position. This can lead to reduced fitness levels, shoulder, neck or back pain, wrist or finger pain, headaches, eye complaints, an unhealthy diet and sleep disorders, such as poor sleep quality and shorter sleep duration.
Most young people play games without any problems, as a hobby or a fun way to relax. It becomes risky or problematic when you start neglecting other activities such as your studies, your personal hygiene or social contacts.
Problematic gaming behaviour does not equal a gaming addiction. Symptoms that may point to a gaming addiction include:
An addiction presupposes that the compulsive gaming behaviour persists for a long time together with clear signs such as neglecting yourself, your hobbies, your work or studies, ignoring your day and night rhythm and not having three full meals a day.
Do you regularly play games and do you want to check whether your gaming behaviour is becoming risky? Go to Druglijn.be, where you can do a self-test about your gaming behaviour. You will be given specific advice in line with your score.
I am glad that I discussed my gaming behaviour with my parents. Now we can look for solutions together. I still occasionally play games, but they are no longer more important than real life.
Do you spend too much time gaming? A lot of people are ashamed and find excuses for their gaming behaviour. However, gaming addiction is nothing to be ashamed of, it can happen to anybody. If you are worried, try to open up and start a conversation. Talk to somebody you trust and feel good around, preferably someone you know, like a good friend, your parents or siblings. This can bring relief and help you sort things out. You can also find help together.
If you struggle to talk to someone in your close surroundings, try to approach a person who is familiar with similar experiences, such as a GP or a student advisor at your college or university.
If you prefer to share your story anonymously, contact Awel (102 or via www.awel.be), Tele-Onthaal (106 or via www.teleonthaal.be) and the Zelfmoordlijn (1813) for dark thoughts or questions about suicidal thoughts.
If you want to stop or reduce your gaming behaviour, you can also find help in online programmes. Druglijn can answer all your questions about gaming and gambling. The website also includes self-tests and self-help modules.
Do you feel that you can't manage on your own? Then it is important to get professional help. You can contact a counsellor who specialises in addiction, for example. More information can be obtained anonymously from Druglijn or directly from your doctor.
Multiple types of assistance and help are available, yet there is no single magical method that will solve all your problems at once. Practically all types of help have a couple of workable elements in common, such as:
- enhancing your motivation to quit or fit gaming into your everyday life without disrupting it
- teaching you to identify risky situations
- enhancing your self-confidence, for example by emphasising your abilities and skills
Have you noticed that a friend is spending too much time gaming and that this is interfering with their everyday life? Then you may not know what to say or do.
Talk about it and share your concerns without judging them.
You are not alone. Get inspired by other students' stories about vulnerability and doubt. But above all about the power of connectedness.
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