What is gaming?

Gaming means playing games using digital technology.

There are offline and online games.​​

• Online games include any game you play online or access on a digital device, such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, or gaming console (like an Xbox and PlayStation).
• Offline games can be played without an internet connection (offline). These games still include screen time and have some of the same risks as online games.

Gaming allows users to develop their skills and gain rewards. Games can be single player or multiplayer. Types of games include:​​​

• educational games
• puzzles
• role-playing
• sports
• action
• simulations or pretend games (games that copy an activity from real life, such as driving a train, submarine, race car, or spaceship)
• real-time strategy (games that allow players to play without waiting to take turns)
• first-person shooter (the player has a gun or other weapon and experiences the game as the shooter)

There are content ratings for games, just like there are for TV shows, movies, and comic books. In Canada, you may not be able to download or buy certain games if you’re under 18.

Having parental controls and knowing the content ratings will help keep you safe.

Parental controls can help to:

• set time limits on how much you use your device
• track or monitor your calls, texts, location, and social media activity
• filter certain types of web content to protect you from things you don’t want to see online

How common is online gaming?

Online gaming is very common in youth.

• More than 8 out of 10 youth play online games.
• 4 out of 10 teens in the United States think of themselves as gamers.
• Over 7 out of 10 teens who play video games do it as a way to connect with others.

While gaming is often a positive and social activity, regular players have about a 1 in 10 chance of developing signs of addiction or having problems with gaming.

Am I at risk of having problems with gaming?

For most people, gaming remains a fun and manageable activity. However, certain factors may increase the risk of having problems with gaming, like if you:

• have limited social connections outside of gaming
• are very shy and prefer to spend time alone
• have a health condition that limits your physical activity
• have impulsive behaviour (you tend to act before you think things through)
• have mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, or frequent worry
• are dealing with trauma or significant stress
• don’t care well for yourself, like not having good sleep, nutrition, and hygiene
• don’t have parental guidance or boundaries around gaming habits
• have a behaviour or emotional disorder, like ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or ODD (oppositional defiant disorder)

How can gaming be a problem?

Gaming can become a problem when it harms your mental or physical health, or has unwanted effects on your life. Some problems that can happen with gaming include:

• worse grades
• not being able to pay attention in school or to other things as long as you used to
• more health problems than others your age who spend less time gaming
• fewer real-life relationships
• relationship problems
• depression and anxiety symptoms
• not enjoying other activities as much as you used to
• losing track of time while gaming and not sleeping enough

How do I know if I might have a problem with gaming?

It’s not always easy to know if you have a problem with gaming. If you notice changes in your life, or if people you know well say you’ve changed, you may want to talk to someone about your gaming.

Warning signs include:

• worsening health (this can include your physical, mental, and emotional health)
• losing friends or having trouble keeping plans you make
• not being able to stop thinking about gaming (obsessing)
• a low self-esteem, doubting yourself, and thinking you’re not good enough creating a different version of yourself in the games you play, then looking for and believing the feedback you get
• creating a different version of yourself in the games you play, then looking for and believing the feedback you get
• thinking that you can only do things well online
• feeling more confident and comfortable with others online than in person

Signs of an addiction include:

• thinking about gaming all the time
• having trouble controlling your mood, feeling sad or angry without a reason, or having other mood changes
• needing to play longer to still enjoy the game (having a higher tolerance)
• feeling angry and upset when you’re not playing (having withdrawal)
• not getting along with or having trouble connecting with your parents, siblings, and friends
• feeling like you’re not meeting expectations of yourself and others
• finding it hard to make or keep friends outside of gaming
• telling yourself to cut back or stop playing but you can’t

For help and support, contact the Recovery Alberta Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322 (toll free in Alberta). Recovery Alberta also has a list of mental health and addiction helplines for immediate help or support, as well as to access services in Alberta.

See the Resources section for more information.​​​​​​