Effects of Video Game Addiction on Teens: What Parents Need to Know

It’s a familiar scene for many parents: your teen spends hours glued to their gaming console, neglecting homework, skipping meals, and becoming irritable when asked to stop.

While gaming can be a fun and social activity, excessive play can lead to video game addiction; a growing concern for teens and their families.

At Adolescent Wellness Academy (AWA), located in Miami, Florida, we understand parents’ challenges in navigating this issue. In this guide, we’ll explore the effects of video game addiction on teen mental health, signs to watch for, and how AWA’s specialized therapy programs can help your teen thrive.

Effects of Video Game Addiction on Teens

What Is Video Game Addiction?

Video game addiction, also known as Gaming Disorder, is a behavioral condition characterized by excessive or compulsive gaming. Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), it involves a loss of control over gaming habits, prioritizing gaming over other activities, and continuing to play despite negative consequences.

For teens, this can lead to significant disruptions in their mental health, academic performance, and social relationships.

In Florida, where screen time is often high due to the state’s tech-savvy culture, video game addiction is becoming an increasingly common issue among teens.

At AWA in Miami, we’ve seen firsthand how this addiction can impact families and are here to help.

Effects of Video Game Addiction on Teen Mental Health

1. Impact on Emotional Well-Being

Excessive gaming can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and mood swings. Teens may use gaming as a way to escape real-life problems, but this avoidance often exacerbates their emotional struggles.

2. Decline in Academic Performance

When gaming takes priority, schoolwork often suffers. Teens may neglect assignments, miss deadlines, or struggle to concentrate in class due to their preoccupation with gaming.

3. Physical Health Consequences

Prolonged gaming sessions can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and irritability. A sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to weight gain, poor physical fitness, and other health issues.

4. Social and Behavioral Changes

Teens addicted to gaming may withdraw from family and friends, preferring the virtual world to real-life interactions. They may also become irritable or aggressive when unable to play.

5. Escapism and Avoidance

For some teens, gaming becomes a way to avoid dealing with challenges or stressors in their lives. This can hinder their ability to develop healthy coping mechanisms.

Effects of Video Game Addiction on Teen Mental Health

Signs Your Teen May Be Addicted to Video Games

  • Spending excessive time gaming, often at the expense of other activities.
  • Lying about the amount of time spent playing.
  • Irritability, anger, or sadness when not gaming.
  • Fatigue, headaches, or eye strain from prolonged screen time.
  • Poor hygiene or neglect of personal care.

If you notice these signs in your teen, it’s time to take action.

How Parents Can Help

  1. Open Communication: Talk to your teen about their gaming habits without judgment.
  2. Set Healthy Boundaries: Establish clear rules around screen time and gaming.
  3. Encourage Alternative Activities: Help your teen discover hobbies that don’t involve screens, such as sports, art, or volunteering.
  4. Seek Professional Help: If gaming is significantly impacting your teen’s life, consider reaching out to a mental health professional.
Signs Your Teen May Be Addicted to Video Games

How Adolescent Wellness Academy Can Help

At AWA we specialize in helping teens overcome video game addiction and its underlying causes.

Our evidence-based therapy programs address anxiety, depression, and avoidance, empowering teens to build healthier habits and relationships.

Our Programs Include:

Why Choose AWA?

  • Experienced therapists who understand the unique challenges of teens.
  • A safe, nurturing environment for healing and growth.
  • Convenient locations in Miami and Broward, Florida, make it easy for families to access care.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you’re concerned about your teen’s gaming habits, you’re not alone. Adolescent Wellness Academy is here to help. Our compassionate team is dedicated to supporting teens and their families through every step of the recovery journey.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our teen therapy programs. Together, we can help your teen thrive in a balanced and healthy life.

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Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia – Clinical Director (Davie)

Dr. Maria Angelica Mejia’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, resilience-building, and collaboration. As the Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she is dedicated to supporting high-risk teens in navigating trauma, emotional distress, and life’s challenges with a holistic and trauma-informed lens. Dr. Mejia specializes in working with adolescents facing issues such as suicide risk, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and family conflict, utilizing techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and strength-based therapy. With extensive experience in community mental health, private practice, and clinical supervision, Dr. Mejia has a proven track record of empowering teens to overcome obstacles and thrive. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy bringing a depth of knowledge and compassion to her leadership role.

Kimberly Geller

Kimberly Geller - Primary Therapist (Davie)

Kimberly is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University. Kimberly creates a nurturing and secure environment where clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on their journey toward healing and growth. Kimberly specializes in client-centered approaches that helps tailor her therapeutic methods to meet unique needs and goals. By fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, she empowers clients to develop effective coping skills and achieve meaningful progress in their mental health journey. Kimberly ensures that each person she works with feels understood and valued throughout their therapeutic process.

Zainub Fatta - Therapist (Davie)

Zainub holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health issues in adults, teens, and children. She specializes in treating diverse mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, anger management, etc. She also has a lot of experience treating addiction and substance abuse problems within various treatment centers. Zainub views mental health from a systemic perspective, emphasizing the significance of how one’s environment and childhood impacts them, which is why she also specializes in family therapy and couples therapy, when it comes to achieving holistic well-being. Passionate about empowering individuals to find their voice, she considers it a privilege to listen to their vulnerable stories and provide the support they need. Her therapeutic approach focuses on uplifting clients by building their confidence and challenging them to break old, negative patterns of thinking and behavior.

Krystine Garay

Krystine Garay – Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Krystine Garay is a licensed mental health counselor, marriage family therapist, and certified telehealth practitioner. Raised in Miami, Florida, and a member of the Hispanic community, she provides services in both English and Spanish. With five years of experience, she has worked with children, adolescents, and adults, focusing on domestic violence, substance abuse, family conflicts, co-occurring disorders, and mental health issues.
Krystine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a master’s degree with dual specializations in mental health and marriage and family counseling from Barry University. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a concentration in health psychology from Carlos Albizu University.
Her clinical experience includes rotations at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she assisted children with co-occurring disorders using mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical-behavioral techniques.
Krystine believes in the power of personal growth and progress, and she is dedicated to fostering positive change in her clients’ lives.

Alyssa Mencucci – Therapist (Miami)

Alyssa is a dedicated master’s level clinician specializing in providing compassionate
therapy for adolescents and children facing severe mental health challenges. With a
deep understanding of the developmental stages and psychological needs of
adolescents and children, Alyssa offers expertise in addressing trauma-related issues,
guiding individuals through the complexities of grief, managing anxiety and depression,
navigating personality disorders, and supporting those dealing with PTSD. Alyssa uses
evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, DBT, play therapy,
and trauma-focused interventions to create a safe and nurturing environment for
healing. Alyssa believes in a client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet the
unique needs and circumstances of each individual. She creates a safe and nurturing
environment where adolescents and children can explore their emotions, develop
coping skills, and embark on a journey of healing and growth.

Dr. Jacqueline Pablos – Clinical Director

Vulnerability and connection are at the heart of Dr. Pablos’ therapeutic approach. As the
Clinical Director for Adolescent Wellness Academy, she aims to create a safe space for
clients to embrace their emotions and express their needs in healthier ways. Dr. Pablos
specializes in treating depression, anxiety, body image issues, bullying, eating
disorders, and self-harm behaviors using techniques like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and
ACT.
With extensive training in hospitals and counseling centers, Dr. Pablos has a strong
background in helping teens and adults with co-occurring mental and physical health
disorders. She holds a Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, with specialized training
at institutions like Florida International University, Jackson Memorial Hospital,
Clementine Monte Nido, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Kimberly

Kimberly Carlesi – Therapist (Miami)

Kimberly, a dedicated therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Florida International University, specializes in supporting individuals
with eating disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. She creates a safe, nurturing
environment for her clients’ healing journeys, drawing from diverse therapeutic
modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. With a
focus on trust and collaboration, Kimberly empowers clients through personalized
interventions, fostering self-awareness and resilience.