Youth Gaming Addiction: Implications for School Nurses

Technology is pervasive in society and reaches across all age-groups. The use of technology in youth has risen steadily in the past two decades through access to television, internet, computers, social media, and gaming in various formats. Due to this increased exposure and access, concerns have developed among mental health and healthcare providers regarding gaming addiction in youth. The American Psychiatric Association mentioned internet gaming disorder in the 2013 publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). While not recognized as a specific diagnosis at the time of publication, there was a call for further research and evaluation of this phenomenon. Research indicates there are negative impacts on academic performance, social development, and self-concept in game-addicted youth. The purpose of this article is to provide the school nurse with information needed to recognize and care for youth at risk for and those experiencing gaming addiction. The school nurse is poised to provide nursing care in the school setting to educate, prevent, and help manage youth with gaming addiction risks and experiences, as part of an interdisciplinary team.