Most addictive kids' video games REVEALED
Louisa Sherlock
Contributing Editor... and how to work out if your child is playing theirs too much.
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Fed up of daily screen time battles with your child? Yep, us too. But there’s a reason your child is glued to their device … and it’s all to do with the game they are playing.
New research has revealed the most addictive video games aimed at kids aged 12 and younger. And it’s no surprise that favourites including Minecraft and Animal Crossing make the top 20.
To compile the list, researchers from Private Rehab Clinic Delamere looked at player reviews of the most popular video games. They then analysed how many times the word ‘addictive’ was used to describe them.
Topping the list is Rocket League followed by Starlink: Battle for Atlas then Stardew Valley. Minecraft came in at number four.
Catherine Carney, Psychiatrist at Delamere, says:
'Just as you wouldn’t let your children eat huge amounts of sweets because it makes them feel good, it is important that time spent gaming is limited so that the feeling of pleasure that is experienced when gaming is also limited.'
Signs your child might be addicted to their video game
‘Gaming addiction’ is such a problem it’s even been added to the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases. They say signs to look out for include putting gaming ahead of other interests and activities.
So how can you work out if your child is spending too much time playing online games?
According to experts at Internet Matters, there are a series of questions you should ask yourself to work out if your child is addicted to their video game.
These are:
- Is my child physically healthy and sleeping enough?
- Is my child connecting socially with family and friends (in any form)?
- Is my child engaged with and achieving in school?
- Is my child pursuing interests and hobbies (in any form)?
- Is my child having fun and learning in their use of digital media?
If you're concerned about your child, we've got lots of tips on how to manage their screen time.
Are you worried about the amount of time your child spends online? Chat to other parents in our forum and check out these articles, below.
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