Analysis and research on multilevel video game addiction characteristics among children and adolescents based on...

Video game addiction (VGA) among children and adolescents is a growing public health concern, yet limited research has explored how addiction manifests across varying levels of severity. This study aimed to examine the multi-level characteristics of VGA by identifying behavioral, emotional, social, and family-related patterns associated with different addiction levels. A total of 1106 students from grades 3 to 12 in Shantou City, China, completed an anonymous questionnaire covering demographics, gaming behaviors, emotional responses, peer relationships, and family involvement. Association Rule Mining (ARM), using the Apriori algorithm, was employed to detect patterns in the data. Statistical tests were used to further validate significant associations and interactions. The analysis revealed distinct patterns for different levels of VGA. Moderate to severe VGA was associated with frequent gaming, emotional reliance on games, and parental restriction. Students with mild VGA also played frequently but showed healthier peer relationships, such as discussing personal problems rather than gaming. Those with no VGA had limited interest in gaming, shorter playtime, and more effective emotional regulation strategies. The findings underscore the importance of emotional regulation, peer influence, and family dynamics in understanding VGA severity. Interventions should emphasize emotional management, promote balanced gaming behaviors, encourage healthy peer interactions, and guide parents toward supportive rather than prohibitive involvement. These insights provide practical strategies for preventing and addressing video game addiction in youth.