Primary School Addictions

Addictions matter in primary schools because game and social media use can affect learning, behavior, and well-being. This page helps primary school teachers spot concerns early and use practical ways to support students, improve focus, and help them do better in class.

Addictions

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Classroom Inspiration & Learning

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Resources

Professional Development

Inspiration

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Lesson Idea | Alcohol and Your Developing Brain

Lesson Sequence | Game Time

Lesson Idea | How Marijuana Affects the Developing Brain

Lesson Idea | Gambling Games

21st Century Skills

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Thinking Skills

Social Skills

Digital Literacy

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Lesson Idea | The Impact of Alcohol and Marijuana on Your Mental Health

Course | Helping Children Who are Addicted to Gaming and Social Media

Lesson Package | Drug Awareness and Prevention Activities Bundle

Training | Gaming Disorder Clinical Training

Professional Development

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Webinars

Trainings

Courses

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Workbook | Substance Use, Addictions, and Related Behaviours

Workbook | The Gaming Addiction by Ester R.A. Leutenberg and Dr. John J. Liptak, EdD

Workbook | Substance Use, Addictions, and Related Behaviours (Grade 3 Health)

E-book | How to Help Children Addicted to Video Games by Dr. Brent Conrad

Grades

Scientific Articles

Research and scientific publications on the topic.

Internet Addiction of School-Age Children and the Effects of Daily Habits

Sevim Onguner, Şanlıay Şahin, Meltem Akçaboy, Esma Altınel Açoğlu, Melahat Melek Oğuz, Hüsniye Yücel, Emine Polat, Fatma Zehra Öztek Çelebi, Saliha Şenel

About one in four primary and school-age children (7–18 years) show problematic internet use, linked to disrupted routines and health issues. Teachers can help by supporting balanced internet use and healthy daily habits.

An Analysis of Computer Game Addiction in Primary School Children and Its Affecting Factors

Özcan Aygün

A study of 476 primary students found higher computer game addiction in boys, older grades, and those with more access to games at home. Teachers can help by working with parents and school staff to support interventions that reduce gaming addiction.

Digital Game Addiction in Elementary Students: The Impact of Digital Literacy, Parental Styles, and Background Variables

Sacide G. Mazman Akar, Murat Özer

Survey data show that higher game addiction in elementary students is linked to more screen time and weaker digital literacy, while supportive parenting lowers risk. Teachers can watch for attention issues and reinforce healthy screen habits and digital literacy.

School-Based Substance Use Interventions: An Overview of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis

Emily Jenkins, Mohammad Karamouzian, Pamela Sabioni, Tonje Molyneux, Trevor Goodyear, Anne Gadermann, Holly Gunn, Rodney Knight, Matthew Carwana, Danya Fast, Kate Storey

School programs to prevent drug use for children, including primary school students (ages 5–18), have small short-term effects. Teachers help most when using whole-school, multi-part approaches.

Roles and Responsibilities in Substance Use Prevention in the School Setting: Views Among Finnish School Personnel Representatives

Johanna Nordmyr, Anna K Forsman

Finnish school staff see substance use prevention as a shared role requiring school‑wide collaboration, clear structures, early health education, and strong home‑school links. Teachers help identify risks and promote health but need more clarity and support.

Podcasts

Audio content and podcast episodes related to the topic.

What If Banning Smartphones in Schools Is Just the Beginning?

EdSurge Podcast

The Real Science of Screen Time with Pete Etchells

SWGfL Interface, Pete Etchells

Talking To Your Boys: Masculinity, Gaming, and Their Online Lives

Delaney Ruston, MD, Christopher Pepper, Joanna Schroeder

Books

A carefully curated collection of books on the topic.

Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking Our Kids - and How to Break the Trance

Nicholas Kardaras

iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Happy

Jean M. Twenge

Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World

Devorah Heitner

The Big Disconnect: Protecting Childhood and Family Relationships in the Digital Age

Catherine Steiner-Adair, Teresa H. Barker

Reset Your Child's Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen-Time

Victoria L. Dunckley

Useful links

Useful tools and resources related to the topic.

Digital Well-Being Lessons for Grades K–12

Ready-to-teach lessons about healthy tech habits, screen time, and how apps try to hook kids. Primary teachers can use the short, free lessons, videos, and activities to help students notice their feelings with screens and practice balanced, safe digital use.

Problematic Media Use: Strategies and Interventions

Concrete strategies to help youth who struggle with excessive social media, gaming, or online time. Gives ideas teachers can share with students and parents to reduce harm and improve mood, sleep, and school focus.

Screens & Learning Action Kit

Free toolkit with research, talking points, and templates to reduce harmful screen use in schools. Primary teachers can learn about attention, learning, and screen overuse, then use the tools to adjust classroom tech use and talk with leaders and families.

Digital Wellness Toolkit (Safe. Smart. Kind.)

A school district’s digital wellness toolkit with activities, family guides, and ideas for device-free routines. Primary teachers can adapt the simple lessons and share the family steps to help students balance learning technology with offline life.

Digital Safety and Wellbeing – Guidance for Educators

Global guidance on helping children stay safe and healthy online, including around excessive use. Teachers can draw on research, principles, and examples when planning school policies and classroom conversations about online habits.