Impact of Video Games on Youth Mental Health

Description: This presentation will examine the topic of video game usage on mental health in transition-aged youth. Information presented will include a working definition of video gaming, gaming effects on physical, developmental, and social processes in youth who play video games, and both positive and negative implications of video game use. The presenter will also discuss promotion of healthy behaviors involving video game play and provide recommendations for mental health professionals to assist youth and their families to promote wellness and balance when engaging in video game play.

CE Broker Tracking #:20-680559

This event is sponsored by FMHCA, an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider. FMHCA NBCC Provider# 2058. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  FMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain knowledge on the impact of youth video game play and the positive and negative

influences of video games on youth mental health 

2. Gain an understanding on what it means to engage in healthy gaming behaviors and to promote

these healthy behaviors to youth 

3. Use evidence-based recommendations to promote wellness and balance for youth engaged in

video game play 

About the Presenter: Amanda Weston, MA

Amanda is a doctoral candidate in the Behavioral and Community Sciences program at the University of South Florida. Her research interests include technology addiction with a concentration in video games and how technology affects developmental, social, and behavioral processes for youth and young adults. She is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) working at Rogers Behavioral Health with youth and adults affected by mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. She is also a graduate research associate at USF working on two federal grants aimed at implementing services to assist individuals with disabilities gain competitive employment.