Hi everyone, I’m really hoping to get some advice or hear from parents who’ve been in a similar situation.
My son is 12 years old and has recently become completely hooked on online games, especially those multiplayer ones where he can chat with his friends. It started as a bit of after-school fun, but now it’s taking over his life.
He’s spending hours every evening on his console and weekends are even worse. When I try to set time limits, he gets angry, sometimes even slamming doors or shouting. I’ve tried to encourage other activities – we’ve offered family board games, bike rides, even going out for his favourite food – but nothing seems to interest him anymore. He just wants to play.
I’m really worried this is affecting his mood, his schoolwork, and his sleep. He stays up much later than we allow if we’re not watching him closely. We’ve had a few heart-to-heart talks, and he says he knows he’s playing too much but ‘it’s the only thing that makes him happy’.
I don’t want to go down the punishment route but I also can’t just let this continue.
I’m completely stuck between wanting to be understanding and needing to protect him from this obsession.
If anyone has been through this or has practical advice – how to balance screen time, how to reconnect with your child, how to help them step back from gaming – I would really appreciate hearing your experience.
Thank you so much for reading.