Video Games and Attention Disorders: Are They a Real Risk for Kids?

When Screen Time Leads to Stress: One Parent's Story

It was a Tuesday evening, and Claire had just finished making dinner. Her 9-year-old son, Leo, was in his room with the door closed, again. She knocked gently, reminding him it was time to do his homework. What she got in return was a frustrated groan—he was midway through a video game, and once again, homework would be a battle.

Claire isn't alone. Many parents of children with attention challenges find themselves in a constant tug-of-war against screens, especially video games. They worry—is this just part of modern childhood, or is it actually making things worse?

Understanding the Relationship Between Video Games and Attention

The concern isn't unfounded. Studies show an association between excessive gaming and attention difficulties. Kids experiencing ADHD or attention deficits can be especially drawn to video games because of their fast feedback loops, vibrant visuals, and quick dopamine rewards.

In a typical classroom, the reward for completing a task may come minutes—or even hours—after the effort. In a game, it's instantaneous. For a child already struggling to sustain focus, the world of video games can feel like the perfect escape.

Is It the Chicken or the Egg?

It’s important to ask: do video games cause attention problems, or are children with attention challenges simply more attracted to gaming? Research suggests it might be a bit of both.

Some studies have observed a modest increase in attention issues in children who game excessively. But others indicate that the root issue lies in difficulty with impulse control and self-regulation—traits often linked to ADHD—that make it harder for certain children to moderate their screen time.

If this feels familiar in your home, read our article on when and how to set limits around gaming to help your child succeed academically.

Not All Games Are Created Equal

There's a difference between an hour of mindless button-smashing and an hour spent solving puzzles, building worlds, or working on strategy. In fact, some types of video games can actively boost cognitive development, especially in areas like problem-solving, memory, and spatial awareness.

Games that require planning, logic, and collaboration offer children a training ground for executive functions—the very skills they often struggle to develop in a traditional school setting. To go deeper, you might check out our guide on how video games can strengthen logical thinking in kids.

Finding Balance in Your Child’s Day

If your child needs extra support staying on task during homework or lessons, look at how their days are structured. Are there clear transitions between play and work? Do they have tools to help them manage that shift?

This is where technology can work with you instead of against you. For example, if your child resists reading written notes from school, consider using an app that converts their written lessons into immersive personalized audio adventures. In one moment, they’re revisiting their history lesson; in the next, they’re the main character uncovering secrets of ancient Egypt—using their own first name in the storyline. Such tools can capture the imagination and maintain attention, especially during car rides or quieter moments.

For kids already hooked on narrative and achievement like in video games, this kind of educational reframe can work wonders.

Red Flags That Video Games Are Harming Attention

Knowing when gaming becomes detrimental is key. Consider these signs:

• Your child becomes irritable or anxious when not allowed to play.
• They're routinely refusing to do homework or chores due to gaming.
• Sleep is compromised because of screen time.
• They struggle more with focus in school after longer gaming sessions.

If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs, it might be time to evaluate boundaries and explore support strategies. But remember, this doesn't mean an all-or-nothing approach. Some families find success shifting toward educational video games that align with learning goals.

Helping Kids Redirect Their Focus

When attention is a struggle, the solution isn’t just removing screens—it’s creating an environment where attention has a reason to show up. This might look like:

• Breaking homework into quick, digestible chunks.
• Using timers to build internal pacing.
• Letting your child earn game time by first completing tasks that require effort.

Some parents also find success by turning school notes into quick quizzes—asking 5-10 short questions after a lesson review session. There are apps, like Skuli (available on iOS and Android), that let you turn a simple photo of your child’s lesson into a fun, personalized quiz. This kind of bite-sized review can help children feel mastery without overwhelm—and give them a sense of achievement similar to unlocking a new gaming level.

Celebrate the Child, Not Just the Grades

At the end of the day, your child’s ability to focus isn’t just shaped by screens—it’s shaped by how safe, valued, and understood they feel. If Leo feels constantly compared to how long he can stay focused on a math worksheet, he may retreat further into the one world that doesn’t judge his attention span: the world of video games.

But with empathy, clear structure, and tools that honor how his brain works, Leo can succeed—not just in school, but in learning to trust his mind's unique rhythm. And that’s far more important than beating the next level.

For more insight into how gaming can support—not just hinder—social development, read our post on how video games can build social skills.