Expert reveals how to spot the warning signs before your child’s video game hobby becomes a problem
Gaming is a fun way for kids to unwind and connect with friends, but knowing when harmless entertainment crosses the line into unhealthy obsession isn’t always obvious. Many parents struggle to distinguish between typical teenage behaviour and genuine warning signs that gaming is affecting their child’s wellbeing.
With millions of young people spending hours each day in virtual worlds, recognising the early indicators of problematic gaming habits has become more important than ever. Faye Hwang, Business Development Manager at LDShop, a global game top-up platform, understands the gaming landscape inside and out.
“As someone who works closely with the gaming industry, I see how engaging and rewarding these experiences can be,” says Hwang. “But I also know that parents need practical guidance to help them spot when their child’s relationship with gaming might need some adjustment.”
Below, Hwang shares the key warning signs every parent should know, along with actionable advice for creating healthier gaming habits at home.
The 5 Warning Signs Every Parent Should Know
- Extreme Mood Swings When Gaming Stops
When your child becomes unusually irritable, angry, or upset the moment they have to stop playing, this could signal an unhealthy attachment to gaming. Normal disappointment at having to stop and go to bed is one thing, but explosive reactions or prolonged sulking suggest gaming has become more than just entertainment.
“Watch for dramatic personality changes,” advises Hwang. “If your usually calm child starts having meltdowns when you ask them to pause their game for dinner, that’s a red flag worth paying attention to.”
- Withdrawal From Social Activities And Family Time
Children who once enjoyed family outings, sports, or hanging out with friends may start declining these opportunities in favour of gaming. This social withdrawal often happens gradually, making it initially easy to miss.
The shift from “I’ll play after we get back” to “I don’t want to go at all” represents a concerning change in priorities. Pay attention when gaming consistently wins over real-world social connections.
- Sleep Disruption And Fatigue
Gaming late into the night or waking up early to play can severely impact your child’s sleep quality. Look for signs like difficulty waking up, falling asleep during the day, or complaints about being tired despite spending hours in their bedroom.
“Sleep is when young minds and bodies recover and grow,” explains Hwang. “When gaming starts interfering with healthy sleep patterns, it’s time to reassess the boundaries.”
- Declining Academic Performance
Grades dropping, homework being rushed or forgotten, and teachers reporting a lack of focus can all indicate gaming is taking priority over education in your child’s mind. This isn’t always dramatic – sometimes it’s subtle changes, such as putting less effort into assignments or missing deadlines, that signal a problem.
- Obsession With In-Game Achievements
While celebrating gaming successes is normal, becoming consumed by virtual accomplishments at the expense of real-world goals suggests an unhealthy balance. Children might talk exclusively about their gaming progress or become distressed when they can’t achieve certain milestones.
Spotting The Subtle Signs Early
Warning signs of an unhealthy relationship with gaming tend to develop gradually, which can make them hard to identify. Hwang suggests parents look for patterns rather than isolated incidents.
“Document what you notice over a week or two,” she recommends. “Are they consistently choosing gaming over other activities? Do gaming topics dominate family conversations? These patterns tell a bigger story than any single event.”
Pay attention to changes in personal hygiene, eating habits, and physical activity levels. Children absorbed in gaming might skip meals, avoid showers, or stop participating in sports they once enjoyed.
Creating Healthier Gaming Habits
An unhealthy relationship with gaming is concerning, but not irreversible. Below, Hwang gives her top tips on how to encourage healthier gaming habits:
Set Clear Time Boundaries: Establish specific hours in which your child is allowed to play games and stick to them consistently. Use timers or parental controls to help enforce these limits without constant reminders.
Encourage Offline Hobbies: Actively promote activities that don’t involve screens. This might mean signing them up for classes, planning family activities, or simply making non-digital options more appealing and accessible.
Create Gaming-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of the home and times of day as gaming-free, such as during meals or in bedrooms overnight.
“The goal isn’t to eliminate gaming,” notes Hwang. “You want to help your children develop a healthy relationship with technology that doesn’t interfere with other important aspects of their lives.”
Faye Hwang, Business Development Manager at LDShop, commented:
“Having conversations with your child about reducing their gaming time doesn’t have to turn into a battleground. The key is approaching it from a place of care rather than control.
“Start by asking open-ended questions about what they enjoy most about their games and how they feel when they’re not playing. This shows genuine interest in the thing they love, rather than immediately jumping to restrictions.
“Avoid using accusatory language like ‘you’re addicted’ or ‘you play too much’. Instead, focus on specific behaviours you’ve noticed. You might say, ‘I’ve noticed you seem stressed when dinner interrupts your gaming time. Can we figure out a schedule that works better for everyone?’
“Remember that gaming often fulfills real social and emotional needs for young people. Before setting limits, try to understand what those needs are. Once you understand the ‘why’ behind their gaming habits, you can work together to find healthier ways to meet those same needs while still enjoying games in moderation.”