What do we know from research on:

Key points Although links are often discussed in research papers, causality between video game use and addictive and violent behaviours remains to be established (see slide 3). The causes of addiction to video games are related to a wide range of factors related to the player, the player’s environment & game mechanics (see slide 4). Research suggests that it is only a small subgroup of gamers which can exhibit addictive or violent behaviours (see slide 5). Research has identified the signs & impact of game addiction as well as how to manage & cure it through focusing on increasing players’ social skills (see slides 6 & 7). Game addiction education and remedial actions are based on communication between all stakeholders (see slide 8). Parents and teachers can take simple steps to prevent or minimize game addiction and violent content & behaviour based on common sense & moderation (see slides 9, 10 & 11).

No proven causality between video game use & addictive & violent behaviour Despite there being much research literature and media hype about the links between video games, addiction and violence, causality between video games and addictive and violent behaviour remains to be established. This is related to the limitations of current research on these 2 topics which sometimes uses unreliable methodologies and unvalidated measures of addiction and aggression.

Causes of addiction to video games are linked to a wide range of factors related to: e.g. sensation seekers who need intellectual and emotional stimulation and enjoy a sense of challenge and competition may prefer video games to other activities, and play them excessively. The player (age, gender, social background, personality) e.g. the player’s family environment – children lacking companionship or supervision can become bored and frustrated and play games excessively as a result. Player’s environment e.g. curiosity, rewards, and attachment to the character may increase addiction in Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs). Game mechanics

A small subgroup of vulnerable gamers can exhibit violent or addictive behaviour linked to the use of video games in general or violent video games This subgroup can include: High Sensation Seekers (HSS) Individuals with an inclination towards boredom Children & teenagers already performing poorly at school & in need of additional academic support Those suffering from poor anger management skills Those in violent homes Boys are more likely to use violent video games or to exhibit violent behaviours

Signs & impact of game addiction Typical Behaviours Hours spent playing Falling asleep at school Declining grades Not keeping up with assignments Lies about video game use Playing video games instead of socializing Irritability/animosity when not playing Medical symptoms Carpal tunnel syndrome Sleep disturbances Back and neck aches Headaches Dry eyes Neglect of personal hygiene Failure to eat regularly

Whether the approach of specialist addiction clinics is to focus on total abstinence from video games or on changing gaming behaviours & educating players, both aim to: How to manage & cure addiction Replace excessive time spent playing with Increasing players’ social skills & activities

Game addiction education & remedial actions are based on communication between: FamilySchoolsYouthsPaedatricians Game producers Overall communication particularly between parents, teachers and youths, together with a healthy life style and implicit rules are key to monitor, prevent and manage addiction in young players.

How parents can prevent or minimize game addiction Choose appropriate games for youths to play Encourage gaming in groups Discuss with youths the difference between the fiction depicted in the game and reality Encourage youths to balance video game playing with other activities and interests (e.g. leisure and hobbies) Ask youths to follow the recommendations of the game manufacturers (e.g. not engage in gaming if feeling tired) Promote early healthy gaming habits Supervise and limit video game playing to 1 or 2 hours per day, only after homework and chores are done Watch for signs that may indicate gaming is interfering with youth’s socializing, academic results or family time.

How teachers/schools can prevent or minimize game addiction Report students’ absence Ask students the cause of delays in submitting school work Be aware of nearby cafes and gaming centres to the school Keep in close contact with parents and recommend addicts for therapy if necessary

How parents & teachers can help avoid violent content & prevent violent behaviour Parents & teachers need to increase their media literacy & schools need to promote media education Explain to youths how to manage cyber bullying To limit mature-rated game playing, avoid letting children play video games in their bedrooms or with older siblings Explain to youths why they disagree with or ban some violent video games Ensure level of violence in video games is appropriate by consulting ratings systems (e.g. PEGI & ESRB) & game reviews Test the game to ensure it corresponds to child’s cognitive & emotional developmental stage.

Further information For a reference list and full discussion of all academic articles and policy papers used as a basis for this visual presentation, please consult the ‘in depth’ answer associated to this question. For a summarized text version of the above mentioned ‘in depth’ answer, please consult the ‘in short’ answer associated to this question.