Online gaming can be a great distraction from everyday life - it can relieve stress and give your brain a boost at the same time. You can also connect with friends and work together to solve problems.
Sometimes, however, it can cause problems and become dangerous. You can get bullied, or spend too long playing and have trouble stopping.
By young people, for young people
"For me, after I left school, due to my poor mental health and because I couldn't properly socialise, I delved into worlds in online games. Minecraft serves at first and then into MMOs or massive multiplayer online games. In this case, final Fantasy 14 or F-F-X-I-V.
"Playing both games allowed me to socialise and have connections to people at the time when I couldn't properly talk with anyone, I was able to find a community and ended up making some incredibly close friends. I was so lucky I met the incredible people I did who cared about me and were able to mentor me despite my young age. As I was talking with adults on the internet, I made sure to talk to my mum about it. There were even moments when I got my mum to talk with the people online to keep me safe. I've had an incredibly positive experience with online games, and I would recommend it always.
"I've also been playing games since I was really, really little and I believe in gaming as a hobby and art form. With games, you can experience other people's journeys and live their lives and empathise with their experiences. This makes gaming, in my opinion, one of the most personal mediums, and I truly believe everyone should game."
Rowan, Age 20
(Some names changed to protect people's identities)
If you think you're gaming too much, or it is making you feel unhappy or angry, or you are being bullied, you can talk to your parents or carers, or a trusted adult within your school or setting, or any trusted friend.
If you live in Norfolk:
If you're 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for anonymous and confidential advice from a health professional. ChatHealth is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
You can also contact the Norfolk Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you live in Waveney:
You can call the Suffolk School Nursing service on 0345 607 8866 or email childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.
If you have experienced bullying or abuse, you should report it to the website or app.
If you are worried about something sexual that has happened to you online, you can tell the police by making a report to the Child Exploitation & Online Protection Command (CEOP).
Childline - if you're under 19, you can call 0800 1111 for free support.
Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support 7 days a week until 10pm.
probably think the answer to this is no, but some games can be very addictive and you might find it hard to stop playing.
basic online safety tips will help you stay safe when gaming:
and fresh air are very important. Going without them for long periods can have a negative impact on physical and mental health, so try to include exercise and time outside into your daily routine if possible.
