An expert in cybersecurity has shared some of the top warning signs your kid could be addicted to online gaming - and some of the symptoms you should look out for.
Getting your kid to stop online gaming can be a very tricky task as sometimes they are playing with friends and might think it's unfair.
But even though gaming can be very beneficial for developing social connections and problem-solving - too much of it can lead to an addiction, which has some pretty bad consequences.
Thankfully, a cyber security expert at VPNoverview.com has shared some of the warning signs to look out for.
Expert Lauren Mak shared: "Whilst online gaming can be a fantastic way for children and teenagers to increase cognitive skills, develop social awareness and enhance creativity, there is a risk that the child can develop an addiction because of spending too much time playing online."
It can be difficult to tell if an addiction has actually formed but there are some big warning signs, according to the expert.
To begin with, there can be a lack of interest in the things they used to enjoy. When this happens it can limit them to gaming and stop them doing other activities outside of it.
Your child could also experience mood swings, impatience or irritability if they are going through withdrawal from gaming.
They can also stop caring for their personal wellbeing, which could cause insomnia, or even eating disorders if they decide to miss meals. This could also impact their hygiene.
At school they might not be able to concentrate, which could mean they are not as alert in lessons and not getting the information they need to.
In addition, if they may have a limited amount of compassion for others, which could be damaging as it could stop them creating fundamental social connections with other people.
An online gaming addiction can start at any age and there could be many reasons behind them forming. But the physical consequences of the addiction can be dangerous.
Lauren noted: "It is important to remember that whilst you want your child or teenager to have fun and explore online gaming, you want them to be safe and develop healthy habits when it comes to spending time online whilst not intruding on their privacy."
There are, in addition, some horrible physical side effects which could get in the way of your child's day-to-day activities.
You might find that their stress level is heightened which can actually impact the immune function of their body. This could make them more prone to catching viruses or other bugs that find themselves going around schools.
They could also feel exhausted and burnt out as a result of horrible headaches and migraines which could impact their day-to-day activities.
The sedentary lifestyle of online gaming could lead to weight gain as they are not doing the physical activity needed to stay fit.
Further problems could also include issues with posture which arise from being slumped while playing. This can affect the spine and might cause joint issues down the line.
Injuries can also occur from seizures as a result of lights in the game.
But, it is not all bad as there are ways to get through these tough times with your kid – and the expert has shared the best ways to approach the tough topic.
To start with, try to talk to your child to gather any negative feelings they might have in their bodies to see if any symptoms are showing.
Try to practise what you preach, says the expert, so if you are telling the kids to have less screen time then try to do that yourself.
Lauren also says to look at gaming more positively. If you can try to show an interest then it could open up a dialogue about healthier choices.
If these don't work then you could turn to parental controls to limit the amount of game time.
Lauren said: "There are always ways to prevent, spot and stop a gaming addiction, healthily and safely, so if you think this is something your child is at risk of, you are not alone. That is why these tips are excellent indication of the things to look out for in a child who enjoys online gaming and ways to start getting rid of an addiction that may be taking over both of your lives."
Do you have a story to share? We want to hear all about it. Email yourmirror@mirror.co.uk.
