VIDEO games have always been a fun way to engage in vast growing technology through digital screens. Students can match their personalities and preferences as well as meet others and communicate through consoles. However, recent studies have shown that excessive time spent on a gaming device may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as sadness, irritability, or anxiety.

The need to play for long periods can lead to a disorder known as IGD. Formally known as Internet Gaming Disorder, IGD is a compulsive addiction to gaming and has been classified as a psychological disorder that can interfere with daily lives resulting in compulsive actions. 

Clinical and medical professionals suggest that students should only be allowed two hours of gaming each day to prevent gaming overuse. However, Ms. Gaskins, a psychology teacher at Granger, suggests otherwise. “Limit gaming to the weekends, try to play for only up to an hour a day,” she said. 

Prolonged hours spent on devices can cause students to neglect important responsibilities such as personal hygiene. It also can distract students from lifelong goals within academics. Worst of all, gaming addiction can disrupt the sleep students need to function daily. “Students stay up all night playing games. It interrupts sleep schedules as well as their circadian rhythms,” Ms. Gaskins said.

Online gaming isn’t all bad. Gaming can be a great way to interact with other students, and people, and build a creative mindset. “Gaming can help students in skills such as creativity, come up with ideas, and solve problems,” Mr. Manfre said. 

Communication is also a key takeaway, and safety should always be encouraged, especially when on the internet.  Students can find new ways to communicate with other teens by gaming. Elijah Hennesy (10) is cautious. “Online interactions can help build communication skills among students, IGD is a real thing like any other addiction,” he said. 

Other students such as Halima Ali (10) support the idea that gaming can be both positive and negative depending on how it’s managed. “Gaming has both positive and negative effects on students. On one side it can boost creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. On the other side, excessive gaming can lead to addiction, sleep deprivation, and potentially even cause negative behavioral influences. The impact of gaming depends on the person,” Ali said.

 “I don’t usually play video games — maybe once in a blue moon, and even then, it’s only about 10 minutes. I’d say keep a balanced schedule when playing to allow time for other hobbies, extracurriculars, and schoolwork. So about one to two hours a day. It’s great to have breaks within that screen time to avoid eye strain and to keep gaming from acting as a distraction from other things,” Ali said.   

Gaming is a great way to express creativity across various platforms, and it is a great source of entertainment. Many students and teachers at Granger High School agree that students should limit gaming to one or two hours and that gameplay should happen on weekends. Keeping a balanced schedule is crucial to avoid sleep deprivation, eye strain, and other bad habits that might lead to an internet gaming disorder.