How Therapy Can Help Families in Bergen County
Video games are more popular now than ever — and they’re not just for kids. From preschoolers playing tablet games to college students staying up late for online tournaments, gaming is now a major part of family life. In Bergen County, many parents ask: “How much gaming is too much?”
The truth is, gaming has both benefits and risks. While it can encourage creativity, problem-solving, and social connections, too much time online can impact sleep, grades, relationships, and mental health. We’ll explore more on how gaming affects kids at different ages — and how therapy can help families set healthy boundaries.
How Gaming Affects Kids at Different Ages
Young Children (ages 4–8)
- Typical use: Simple mobile or console games, often short sessions.
- Benefits: Improves motor skills, builds imagination, introduces early learning concepts.
- Concerns: Too much screen time can limit outdoor play, reduce attention span, and disrupt sleep if used before bed.
Pre-Teens / Tweens (ages 9–12)
- Typical use: More independence, often gaming with peers online.
- Benefits: Social connection, teamwork, and problem-solving.
- Concerns: Increased risk of exposure to inappropriate content or online bullying. Gaming may start interfering with homework or family time.
Adolescents / Teens (ages 13–18)
- Typical use: Longer gaming sessions, competitive or multiplayer online games.
- Benefits: Stress relief, identity exploration, and community belonging.
- Concerns: Higher risk of gaming disorder, social withdrawal, mood changes, and declining school performance. Sleep issues become more common.
Young Adults / College Students (ages 18–24)
- Typical use: Gaming for relaxation, socialization, or competition.
- Benefits: Maintains friendships, provides cognitive challenge, reduces stress.
- Concerns: Risk of gaming interfering with academics, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. College students may struggle with balance when gaming replaces studying or social life.
What the Research Says
- Over 90% of children over age 2 play video games, with an average of 1.5–2 hours daily for ages 8–17.
- Teens and tweens in the U.S. average about 2.5–3 hours of gaming per day, while even kids under 8 spend about 23 minutes daily gaming.
- Excessive screen time (4+ hours daily) has been linked to higher risks of anxiety, depression, behavior problems, and ADHD symptoms in children. Sleep irregularities and low physical activity often make these problems worse.
- Studies estimate that 1–10% of adolescents worldwide meet criteria for “gaming disorder” — a condition where gaming significantly disrupts school, social life, or emotional health.
Warning Signs of Problematic Gaming
Bergen County parents may notice:
- Drop in grades or refusal to do homework
- Irritability when not gaming
- Staying up late or gaming through the night
- Withdrawing from family or friends
- Lying about time spent gaming
- Neglecting hygiene, meals, or responsibilities
If these behaviors persist, it may be time to seek help and the team at Behaved Brain is versed in helping young children, teens and adolescents to manage their gaming habits while learning ways to redirect their attention for a healthier, happier mind.
How Therapy Helps Families Manage Gaming
Therapy is not about eliminating gaming altogether. Instead, it helps kids and families develop a balanced relationship with technology.
1. Assessment & Understanding
Our team assess gaming habits in context — how long a child plays, what types of games, and how it affects their daily life. They also look for underlying concerns such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression.
2. Healthy Boundaries
Our family therapists help set consistent rules:
- Device-free bedrooms and meals
- Scheduled gaming time after homework/chores
- Clear consequences for breaking limits
3. Emotional & Behavioral Support
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps kids manage stress, frustration, or social anxiety without turning to gaming.
- Parent coaching: Gives caregivers tools for consistency and positive reinforcement.
- Social skills training: Supports kids in building offline friendships.
4. Supporting Sleep & Routine
Our team guides families in creating healthier routines — consistent bedtimes, screen cut-offs an hour before bed, and balanced physical activity.
5. Rebuilding Family Connection
Family therapy helps reduce conflict around gaming by improving communication, problem-solving, and shared family time.
FAQ’s
Q: How much gaming is healthy for kids?
Experts suggest limiting recreational screen time to 1–2 hours per day for school-age children. What matters most is balance — making sure gaming doesn’t interfere with sleep, school, physical activity, or family connection.
Q: Should I ban video games completely?
Not usually. We prefer to recommend limits rather than bans, as gaming is also a social outlet for many kids. The key is structure and balance.
Q: How do I know if my child needs therapy for gaming?
If gaming causes consistent problems — declining grades, family conflict, withdrawal from real-world activities, or emotional distress — therapy may help.
Q: Can therapy help older teens or college students with gaming issues?
Yes. Therapy supports young adults in managing stress, improving time management, and balancing gaming with academic and social responsibilities.
What To Do Next
Gaming is a normal — and often positive — part of childhood and adolescence. But when it begins to disrupt school, sleep, or family relationships, it may be time for support.
For families in Bergen County, child and family therapy at Behaved Brain offers tools to balance screen time, strengthen family bonds, and promote healthier coping skills. With professional support, gaming can return to being a fun activity rather than a source of stress.
