computer & video games

The latest information, research, and news on children with ADHD

AAP: Parents Should Make Screen Time Interactive — Or Cut Back

One mom ponders, "How much screen time is healthy?"

The World Is ADHD Enough

New Study: Despite Parents’ Limits on Internet Usage, Bad Habits Persist

ADHD teenager with tablet while lying on the floor in the room

Do Video Games Exacerbate ADHD?

Dear ADDitude: Should I Worry About Video Game Addiction?

Popular in computer & video games

Two-Minute Warning May Actually Complicate Transitions

Video Game and Social Media Addiction Tied to ADHD

It’s a common story, especially in the ADHD community: “My kid is obsessed with Minecraft — I don’t think he’d sleep if we didn’t make him log off!” Now, parents who wonder how much Minecraft is too much can hear Randy Kulman, Ph.D., and James Daley — both with Learning Works for Kids, an educational technology company — break down the pros and cons of games like Minecraft, as well as common-sense strategies for managing your child’s “digital diet.” Listen now!

I Nagged! She Yelled! It Wasn’t Pretty!

Phone screen covered with apps and time-wasting games

Mobile Minecraft Is a Constant Distraction

ADHD kids play apps that build social skills

9 Apps and Tools That Build Better Retention

Sharpen attention, improve behaviors, and control emotions with our top picks for brain training programs for children and adults with ADHD.

10 Best Brain Training Programs for Children with ADHD

AAP: More Screen Time for Children Is OK, Mostly

An angry child with ADHD looks out the window.

How Can We Wean Our Child Off Video Games?

Don't let your child become an extension of their electronic devices

Guest Blogs

Parenting in the Age of Attention Snatchers: A Guide to Balancing Your Child’s Use of Technology

'Parenting in the Age of Attention Snatchers' offers strategies and advice for for parents competing...

Kids with ADHD are like Lewis and Clark. They like to break away and discover things on their own. In Minecraft, there are no rules, specific quests, or goals. Kids can choose to build whatever they want in a safe environment. It offers a non-judgmental sense of achievement. When a player makes a mistakes, it’s not a big deal – which is huge for a child with ADHD who suffers low self-esteem and feels badly about his lack of success in school. If you make a mistake in Minecraft, you just correct it. This teaches flexibility. Additionally, it connects kids with kids – online in the game and in real life as kids discuss the game. Players can learn from others, and improve at their own pace. Beginning play is easy, using the same building with blocks skills that kids learned with LEGOs.

Screen Time

ADDitude-Approved Video and Computer Games for Children

Got a gamer? Here are some brain-building downloads and purchases that we recommend for your child's...

A tablet screen with a game, child spending time playing online game

Ask the Experts

“But I Hate Sports!” How to Get Your Video-Gamer Outside

"My son's playdates comprise playing video games for five hours on a Saturday. He's a nerdy kid — no...

Ask the Experts

How Can I Break My Child’s Minecraft Obsession?

One parent asks our expert for advice on how to set limits on video game play and how to lessen a...

Two teens with ADHD play video games together

Ask the Experts

The Neuroscience Behind Video-Game Addiction

"Does any current neuroscience investigate whether and how different kinds of games affect the brain?...

Two boys with hand-held electronic game, girl with pillow

Screen Time

Are Car Racing Games Eroding My Child’s Brain?

A mother of a child with ADHD who is obsessed with car racing games wonders if they're hurting his...

Ask the Experts

Is My Child a Minecraft Addict?

"Our 15-year-old son with ADHD lies to us to play Minecraft, and lets everything else fall by the...

An alarm clock set to let a child know when he has played Minecraft too long

Ask the Experts

How Much Minecraft Is Too Much?

"What is the maximum amount of time a child should play Minecraft and watch Minecraft videos daily? On...

Ask the Experts

Minecraft Makes my Son Irritable. What Gives?

"After my son gets done playing Minecraft or computer games, he is extremely irritable. Is this due...

Student checking the time on his phone screen

Ask the Experts

Cops and Gamers: How to Police Computer Use

"How can I monitor and limit my high-school student's gaming and social-media use when he's supposed...

Ask the Experts

My Son Prefers Video Games To Friends

"I'm concerned that Minecraft is isolating my son from his friends and family. When he plays, he...

Ask the Experts

Helping Kids Transition to Another Activity After Playing Minecraft

"Can I help my children from transition from playing video games to another activity? My 6- and...

Boy with ADHD in sitting in front of laptop smiling with bookshelf behind him

Focus & Attention

Can BrainBeat Improve Focus in Children with ADHD?

The new cognitive training program BrainBeat promises to improve focus, concentration, and more in...

A blond boy playing video games to help with ADHD symptoms

Sports & Activities

Video Games Can Help Kids with ADHD – If You Choose Wisely

Video games aren't all bad! Check out these three expert-recommended video games to help your child...

parent-sports-addicted-to-computer-games-aritcle-938b-boys-video-games-ts-467651896-jpg

Guest Blogs

Video Game Victory: “Screen Time Solved My Son’s Really Crappy Handwriting”

A mom taps into Guitar Hero to beef up keyboard...

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