Gaming

Games are designed to pull you in.
Rewards, achievements, streaks, level‑ups, and competition can make it feel impossible to stop. You might plan to play “just one more game”… and suddenly it’s 3AM.

Here are 5 signs gaming might be affecting your life:

• It gets in the way of schoolwork or responsibilities

• Your sleep is affected

• You struggle to stop or think constantly about gaming

• You’re not doing other activities you used to enjoy

• You feel anxious or moody when you can't play

If gaming is taking over your life instead of adding to it, you deserve support.

Online games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, GTA, FIFA, Roblox, Minecraft or Destiny can be great fun — but they also come with risks. Some people online aren’t who they say they are.

Here are Top Tips to stay safe:

1. Be careful what you share

Even if someone feels like a friend, think before you give personal information.
Avoid sharing:

• Your full name

• Address

• Social media

• Phone number

• School

• Email

Once information is out there, you can’t take it back.

2. Make strong passwords & usernames

• Don’t use your real name, school or birthday

• Use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols

• Never share your password — ever

3. Know who you’re playing with

Anyone can be behind the screen — kids, teenagers, adults, strangers.
Don’t assume people are telling the truth about who they are.

• Block or report anyone who makes you uncomfortable

• Don’t accept gifts, trades or “favours”

4. Don’t send pictures

Never send nudes or personal photos.
People can use them to threaten, pressure or blackmail you.

5. Control your privacy

Use privacy settings to manage friend requests, voice chat, and messages.

It’s tempting to squeeze in one more match — but lack of sleep affects your mood, focus, memory, health, and how well you play.

Good habits:

• Take breaks every 45–60 minutes

• Eat, hydrate, stretch, move

• Stop gaming at least an hour before bed

• Aim for 8–9 hours of sleep

Sleep is your superpower.

Gaming should be part of your life, not your whole life.
A healthy balance includes:

• Time with friends and family

• Hobbies offline

• School or college work

• Fresh air and exercise

• Relaxation time

• Proper meals and hygiene

Keep yourself well:

• Shower regularly

• Eat proper meals (not just snacks)

• Drink water

• Keep your space clean

• Move your body every day

Looking after yourself makes gaming more fun — and you’ll play better too.

Many games today include features similar to gambling, such as:

• Loot boxes

• Card packs

• Spins and wheels

• Mystery rewards

• Rare drops

• Microtransactions

These features are designed to make you spend money and chase “wins.”

Warning signs gaming is turning into gambling:

• Spending more than planned

• Feeling pressured to buy loot boxes

• Chasing rare items

• Gambling on skin‑trading or third‑party sites

• Feeling stressed about spending

If it stops being fun and starts causing worry, it’s time to get support.

Most gamers meet trolls at some point.
A troll is someone who tries to upset you or get a reaction.

Online trolls might:

• Target you in‑game

• Encourage others to gang up on you

• Say nasty or abusive things

• Stalk your social media

• Damage or steal your online creations

• Try to hack your accounts

What to do:

• Don’t respond — trolls feed on reactions

• Mute, block, and report them

• Tell a trusted adult or professional if it’s affecting you

You don’t have to deal with online hate alone.

Gaming can improve mental health by:

• Reducing stress

• Helping you relax

• Connecting you with friends

• Building confidence and skills

But it can also harm mental health if:

• You isolate yourself

• You lose sleep

• You feel addicted

• You experience bullying

• You spend too much money

• You avoid real‑life responsibilities

You deserve balance, happiness, and safety both online and offline.

Gaming can be really positive!

It can:

• Boost creativity

• Improve problem‑solving

• Strengthen teamwork

• Build confidence

• Enhance communication skills

• Improve coordination

• Help you bond with friends

• Provide a safe escape when you need a break

Gaming is great — when done in a healthy way.

If gaming is affecting your sleep, school, friendships, mood, money, or happiness, you don’t have to deal with it alone.

Talk to someone you trust:

• A youth worker

• A parent or carer

• A teacher

• A school counsellor

• A friend

• A helpline

You are never “in trouble” for needing help.