The impact of video gaming on mental health and psychosocial functioning in children and adolescents: a narrative review

Aleksandra Karolina Schmidt; Anna Kudłacik; Magdalena Franków; Kornel Adrian Jarosz; Aleksandra Regina Żmuda; Maria Całusińska-Skowron; Julia  Łukasik; Klaudia Jeziorowska; Karolina Bałdys; Oktawian Kaczmarek

doi:10.12775/JEHS.2026.95.73840

Authors

Aleksandra Karolina Schmidt Municipal Hospital Complex in Chorzow https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4135-1245
Anna Kudłacik Municipal Hospital Complex in Chorzow, Chorzow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9299-0593
Magdalena Franków Health Care Center in Oława, Oława, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9979-0907
Kornel Adrian Jarosz County Hospital Complex in Oleśnica, Oleśnica, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2849-8872
Aleksandra Regina Żmuda University Hospital in Kraków, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8655-5546
Maria Całusińska-Skowron Municipal Hospital Complex in Chorzow, Chorzow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8749-0018
Julia Łukasik University Hospital in Kraków, Kraków, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0055-4296
Klaudia Jeziorowska Municipal Hospital Complex in Chorzow, Chorzow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2510-6991
Karolina Bałdys WSB University, Collegium Medicum, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8764-6327
Oktawian Kaczmarek Municipal Hospital Complex in Chorzow, Chorzow, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9766-5123

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2026.95.73840

Keywords

video gaming, video games, gaming disorder, mental health, psychosocial functioning, psychological well-being, adolescents, children, youth

Abstract

Background. Video gaming is one of the most common leisure activities among children and adolescents worldwide. Growing concerns about problematic gaming and Gaming Disorder have increased research on the impact of gaming on mental health and psychosocial functioning.

Aim. This narrative review aimed to summarize and critically evaluate current evidence on the relationship between video gaming, mental health, and psychosocial functioning in children and adolescents.

Material and methods. A narrative review was conducted using publications identified through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The primary search focused on studies published between January 2014 and February 2026 examining associations between video gaming, mental health, and psychosocial functioning in individuals younger than 18 years. Seminal publications published before 2014 were also included to provide conceptual and historical context. Original studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were considered.

Results. Problematic gaming and Gaming Disorder are associated with increased risks of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, psychosocial difficulties, and poorer academic functioning. In contrast, moderate gaming may provide cognitive, emotional, and social benefits, including improved problem-solving, cognitive flexibility, stress reduction, and opportunities for social interaction. The relationship between gaming and mental health is influenced by individual, familial, and environmental factors.

Conclusions. Video gaming may exert both positive and negative effects on mental health and psychosocial functioning in children and adolescents. Gaming duration alone is a poor predictor of adverse outcomes; functional impairment, gaming motivations, and psychosocial context appear to be more important determinants. Promoting balanced gaming habits and early recognition of problematic gaming may maximize benefits while reducing potential harms.

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