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What’s fun for some can become an
obsession for others. Learn the signs of
and solutions for video game addiction.
parent to parent
In 2009, Science Daily reported
on a study that showed nearly 1 in
10 teenagers in the United States are
addicted to video games.
VIDEO GAMES PROVIDE MILLIONS OF HOURS
DANGEROUS
GAMES
of entertainment for people of all ages, but as a group, teenagers are
on their computer or gaming console a lot. For most, playing is a
harmless distraction, a fun way to spend free time. But for some, the
urge to “game” gets out of control and becomes an obsession, negatively interfering with other aspects of their lives, such as school, athletics
and relationships with friends and family. For these teens, gaming becomes an addiction — one that’s every bit as powerful and detrimental
to their health and future as an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
Although it has yet to be formally recognized as a clinical diagnosis,
gaming addiction is a serious problem affecting an alarming number
of teens; recent statistics are shocking. In 2009, Science Daily reported
on a study that showed nearly 1 in 10 teenagers in the United States are
addicted to video games. A 2012 article in U.S. News & World Report
cited an Iowa State University study linking video game addiction with
an increased development of depression and anxiety in teens.
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
First, recognize the signs that your teen might have a problem.
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, start paying more
attention to your teen’s gaming habits.
Do they seem overly preoccupied with video games, even when
they are not playing them?
Do they seem irritable and cranky when they are not playing?
Are they defensive when you question them about their playing
frequency or do the lie to hide how long they are playing?
Are they ignoring friends, blowing off other activities they
previously enjoyed and/or falling behind on schoolwork?
Do they sometimes seem truly unaware of how much time they
are spending playing?
Do they seem tired all the time and have dry eyes and
neck aches?
THE
TRUTH
22
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Second, try to understand what may be causing their addictive
behavior. Just as alcoholics and drug addicts self-medicate with
their substance of choice, many gaming addicts are using their
playing time as an escape from problems or unwanted feelings like
sadness, anger, inadequacy or social awkwardness.
Finally, give them help. Express your concern at the time they
are spending on video games and explain what they are missing and
damaging as a consequence. Strict limits on play or the complete
removal of access to all video games can nip the beginnings of a
problem in the bud. But if your teen’s interest in gaming has already
ballooned into an addiction, stern talks and threats of punishment
could do more harm than good. In some cases, professional intervention is required. Your family doctor should be able to recommend a psychologist or therapist who helps teens with this issue.
Although it has yet to be formally recognized as a clinical diagnosis, gaming addiction is a serious problem affecting an alarming number of teens. In 2009, Science Daily reported on a study that showed nearly 1 in 10 teenagers
in the United States are addicted to video games. A 2012 article in U.S. News & World Report cited an Iowa State
University study linking video game addiction with an increased development of depression and anxiety in teens.
www.potentialmagazine.com