Level UP

  Did you know that strong social connections are linked to better mental health? Yep, youth with solid social networks are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 13% of adolescents aged 12-17 in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode in 2020. Youth with strong social support systems are significantly less likely to experience severe depression or anxiety. A meta-analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics found that social support is associated with a 27% reduction in the likelihood of developing depressive symptoms among adolescents. Being in gaming clubs or other communities can provide a structured environment for social interaction. Regular events, tournaments, and game nights can create a sense of belonging and promote positive socialization. For those who play physical sports, they experience this all the time. Is your player participating in a community-...

The decline in in-person social interaction among teens since January 2020 has been significant. Research indicates that the amount of time teens spent with friends in-person dropped by approximately 63%. This dramatic decrease in face-to-face interaction is a consequence of lockdowns, school closures, and social distancing. That new way of life has created a new pattern and new challenges and the shift had a considerable impact on your player’s ability to grow socially. But, your player still has friends. They want to be together. And, you want them to develop socially. What can you do? One way is for your player to play games with others that require teamwork and collaboration or co-op puzzle games. Maybe Overcooked 2, Minecraft, or Fortnite could be a place to dive in. Another way is for your player to join in-game group activities that require players to work together to achieve common goals. The third and the strongest option is for your player to attend in-person events that fos...

Anxiety is a part of our culture. COVID-19 helped to make it worse. And we really don’t know about the future. But, we do know that gaming has many positive aspects, often going unrecognized. It might be hard to believe or even accept at times, but it is a reality. Gaming provides essential stress relief for your player by offering them a mental break and a way to unwind from daily pressures. This form of relaxation can significantly reduce their anxiety and provide an emotional outlet. Gaming builds communities for your player by connecting people and fostering friendships. These communities offer emotional support and encouragement, providing another way to reduce anxiety. Moreover, gaming enhances your player’s skill development. Improved skills provide confidence which can reduce anxiety when playing online and in more competitive situations. Not only do the skills learned while gaming transfer to real life, so will the confidence. Intentionally balancing gaming with other aspects ...