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Did Excessive Video Game Use Harm Your Child?
Video games have become a major part of childhood and adolescence, offering entertainment, creativity, and social interaction. However, mounting research has raised concerns that certain video games may be intentionally designed to maximize engagement through features that encourage prolonged play, compulsive behavior, and repeated in-game spending.
Researchers have found that excessive gaming may contribute to Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and other serious physical, emotional, educational, and behavioral harms, particularly in children and adolescents whose brains are still developing.
Levin Papantonio is investigating claims involving video game addiction and excessive gaming. If your child experienced serious harm after prolonged use of certain video games, you may have legal options. Complete our free case evaluation form or call (800) 277-1193 to speak with a member of our team and learn whether your family may have legal options.
Video game addiction refers to compulsive or uncontrolled gaming that significantly interferes with daily life. While many children play video games without serious problems, some develop patterns of excessive gaming that affect their physical health, mental well-being, education, relationships, and family life.
Researchers have identified concerns that certain games use psychological design techniques intended to keep players engaged for extended periods through rewards, progression systems, social interaction, and in-game purchases.
Modern video games often include features designed to encourage players to continue playing. These may include:
Researchers have found that these features may stimulate dopamine release in the brain, reinforcing repeated play and making it difficult for some young users to stop.
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a condition recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as warranting further clinical study in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The World Health Organization also recognizes Gaming Disorder in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
Individuals with gaming disorder often continue playing despite significant negative consequences affecting school, relationships, health, or emotional well-being.
Children experiencing problematic gaming may show signs such as:
Research has linked excessive video game use and Internet Gaming Disorder to a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral health concerns. While not every player will experience these effects, prolonged and compulsive gaming may contribute to serious challenges for some children and adolescents.
Physical
Excessive gaming has been associated with:
Mental Health
Research has also associated problematic gaming with:
If your child is struggling with excessive gaming, help is available. The following organizations provide education, support, and crisis resources:
American Addiction CentersLearn more about video game addiction, warning signs, and treatment options:americanaddictioncenters.org/behavioral-addictions/video-gaming-addictionGaming Addicts AnonymousA fellowship offering peer support and recovery resources for individuals affected by gaming addiction:gamingaddictsanonymous.org/988 LifelineCall or text 988 for immediate emotional support if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis.988lifeline.org/Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor at any time.crisistextline.org/
Excessive gaming may also affect many aspects of a child’s daily life, including:
Levin Papantonio is investigating claims involving children who experienced serious harm after prolonged use of certain video games.
You may wish to speak with an attorney if your child:
Documentation such as medical records, counseling records, school records, and treatment records may help evaluate a potential claim.
Levin Papantonio represents families in litigation involving products and technologies that allegedly place children and young adults at risk.
Our attorneys are actively involved in litigation concerning:
These cases involve allegations that digital platforms use engagement-driven design features, reward systems, algorithms, and other behavioral techniques that encourage prolonged use and compulsive behavior among young users.
Our commitment also extends beyond the courtroom through community education programs focused on youth online safety, digital wellness, and helping families better understand online risks.
If your child experienced serious physical, emotional, educational, or behavioral harm after prolonged use of certain video games, Levin Papantonio may be able to help.
Our attorneys are investigating claims involving video game addiction. Contact us today for a free, confidential case evaluation to learn whether your family may have legal options via our form or by calling 800.277.1193.
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a condition recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as warranting further clinical study in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The World Health Organization also recognizes Gaming Disorder in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Individuals with these conditions may struggle to control their gaming despite experiencing serious negative consequences.
While not everyone who plays video games develops an addiction, medical experts recognize that some individuals can develop problematic gaming behaviors. Research has found that certain game design features may encourage compulsive play in susceptible individuals, particularly children and adolescents whose brains are still developing.
Warning signs may include spending increasing amounts of time gaming, becoming angry or anxious when unable to play, withdrawing from family and friends, declining grades, neglecting personal hygiene, losing interest in hobbies, hiding gaming habits, or continuing to play despite negative consequences.
Helpful documentation may include medical records, counseling or therapy records, school records showing changes in academic performance, treatment records, gaming history, in-game purchase records, and other documentation demonstrating how excessive gaming affected the child’s health or daily life.
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