Problematic video game use has been identified as a concern since the 1980s, especially as this media is consumed by a large proportion of children and adolescents and is speculated to cause aggression, social withdrawal, a decrease in empathy, and addictive behavior. In this presentation, we will discuss research on the effects of video games on children and adolescents, highlighting both potential dangers and dispelling common myths. Additionally, we will examine the signs of video game addiction and what treatment protocols may be helpful.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Identify the signs of problematic video game use, including better understanding Internet Gaming Disorder (which is under the DSM-5 appendix as a disorder for further study).
- Analyze the current research regarding video game uses, including a better understanding of how problematic usage is related to addictive behavior and what outcomes of gaming may be positive or neutral.
- Apply treatment protocols that will best address problematic video game use, usually through a lens related to addiction.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Identify the signs of problematic game use.
- Description of Internet Gaming Disorder,
- Prevalence and History of Proposed Diagnosis
- Risk factors in video games and understanding a gaming environment
- Positive Mental Health through gaming.
Objective #2: Analysis of Current Research Regarding Gaming
- Issues with violence and aggression
- Theories explaining development of aggression
- Hedonic Theories around gaming
- Social aspects and pressures around gaming.
Objective #3: L Treatment Protocols
- Video game rehab as a model
- Screening and Assessment Questions
- Models for treatment
- CBT for Internet Gaming Disorder
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dr. Jillian Graves, LCSW, Ph.D.
Recording Date: October 15, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2025 - 08/6/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com