Problematic video game use has been identified as a concern since the 1980s, especially as this media is consumed by a large proportion of children and adolescents and is speculated to cause aggression, social withdrawal, a decrease in empathy, and addictive behavior. In this presentation, we will discuss research on the effects of video games on children and adolescents, highlighting both potential dangers and dispelling common myths.   Additionally, we will examine the signs of video game addiction and what treatment protocols may be helpful.

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify the signs of problematic video game use, including better understanding Internet Gaming Disorder (which is under the DSM-5 appendix as a disorder for further study).
• Analyze the current research regarding video game uses, including a better understanding of how problematic usage is related to addictive behavior and what outcomes of gaming may be positive or neutral.
• Apply treatment protocols that will best address problematic video game use, usually through a lens related to addiction.