Gaming and Mental Health Finding Balance During School Holidays

Gaming has become a significant part of young people’s lives, offering a mix of benefits and challenges. On the positive side, gaming fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and social connection through online communities.

However, there is a downside. Excessive gaming can negatively impact physical and mental health, disrupt sleep patterns, and interfere with academic performance or personal relationships. During school holidays, when routines are more relaxed, young people often have more time for gaming, which can lead to prolonged screen time and unhealthy habits.
As parents and caregivers, it’s essential to monitor gaming habits and strike a balance. Encouraging young people to diversify their activities during the holidays can help prevent gaming from becoming excessive.

We’ve gathered some expert tips from Headspace to help guide young people toward healthier gaming habits while supporting their mental health.

So how can you recognise unhealthy gaming?

Headspace advises to keep an eye out for significant changes that last longer than you might expect (at least a few weeks), such as:

   • Less interest and involvement in activities they would normally enjoy
   • Changes in appetite or sleeping patterns
   • Increased irritability or anger
   • Decline in performance at school, TAFE, university, or work
   • Engagement in risky behaviours they would usually avoid, such as taking drugs or drinking excessively
   • Difficulty with concentration or motivation
   • Unusual stress, worry, feeling down, or crying for no apparent reason
   • Expression of negative, distressing, or out-of-character thoughts

As a general rule the following are good boundaries to set around screen time:

   • Limit screens in bedrooms and turn them off at least one hour before bedtime to avoid disruption to sleep. Encourage activities like reading, journaling, or drawing instead. If using e-devices for reading, ensure 'night mode' is activated.
   • Get up and move regularly to prevent back, neck, and wrist issues. Incorporate simple stretches and consider optimising your setup for comfort.
   • Avoid screens during meal times to promote mindful eating and encourage valuable family interactions.
   • Ensure screen time does not interfere with essential or enjoyable activities. Schedule time for these activities before gaming or extended internet use.

By being proactive and maintaining open communication, parents can help young people navigate the challenges of gaming, ensuring it remains a positive part of their lives.

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