McGill study finds problematic gaming in pre-teens could be linked to later mental health issues
Posted March 3, 2026 12:16 pm.
Pre-teens who struggle to control their video gaming may face an increased risk of mental health problems a year later, a new study finds.
Researchers from McGill University and Maastricht University tracked over 6,000 U.S. adolescents and found that 12-year-olds showing signs of “problematic gaming”, difficulty controlling gaming that causes distress or disrupts school and relationships, were more likely to experience mild paranoia, unusual beliefs, or distorted perceptions by age 13.
Supportive environments at home and school were linked to lower rates of problematic gaming, but once gaming habits became problematic, family and school support alone could not offset the mental health risks.
“Video games can foster creativity and social connection, but in a minority of young people, they crowd out other aspects of life,” said Vincent Paquin, lead author and McGill psychiatrist.
The study, published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, emphasizes looking beyond screen time alone and assessing how gaming affects daily life. Researchers are now developing tools to help doctors and educators better understand gaming’s impact on adolescent well-being.
