If you are experiencing some of the changes below, it might be a sign that gaming is starting to have a negative impact on your everyday life:

• feeling sad, irritable, anxious, frustrated or angry when you’re not gaming
  
  
• changing sleep patterns or sleep difficulties e.g., getting up early or staying up late to game
  
  
• being angry or experiencing conflict with others over gaming
  
  
• other people expressing concern at the amount of time you spend gaming
  
  
• Frequently feeling frustrated at losses for longer periods of time
  
  
• spending less time with family and friends outside of gaming
  
  
• being preoccupied with gaming (spending large amounts of time thinking about the next gaming session or past sessions), including:
  
  
  • losing track of time or feeling a loss of control over the time you spend gaming
    
    
  • spending lots of time thinking about the next gaming session or past sessions
    
    
  • feeling physical pain or irritation, for example pain in your neck, wrists, or back, dry or red eyes
    
    
  • eating meals while playing or skipping meals
    
    
  • spending more money than you can afford on new games or in-game purchases
    
    
  • using gaming as a way of avoiding the real world
    
    
  • unsuccessful attempts to quit gaming or cut back

FAQs about healthy gaming

Do I have a gaming disorder?  

Not everyone agrees on the definition and treatment of “gaming disorders”. There is still more research to be done. However, we hope this information gives you some ideas and tips to help you maintain a healthy balance. If you have concerns that your gaming is having more severe impacts on your life, please contact a mental health professional who can provide individualised clinical support.

Why can’t I sleep well after gaming?

It can be common to have sleep difficulties when you are gaming late into the night or for long periods during the day. Check out our factsheet on how to manage sleep and gaming here.

What if I’m being pressured to game for longer, or ‘get on’ when I don’t want to?

We understand it can be difficult to say ‘no’ to friends sometimes. It’s important to remember that gaming can impact people differently and sometimes your routines and habits may not look the same. It’s ok to tell your friends that you need different ways to connect, if gaming is impacting you negatively.

When do I know it’s time to log off?

There is no set healthy amount of gaming time that researchers have agreed on. The Australian Physical Activity & Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines (published by the Australian Department of Health) suggests no more than two hours per day for 12-17 year olds. This is not including purposeful screen time (activities that are interactive like work or school and in some cases gaming).

If you notice that your gaming and internet use is stopping you from engaging you in your other interests, impacting on your relationships or work/study, then this might be a sign you are gaming for too long.