Video Games, Harmless Entertainment Or Brewing Addiction?

My boy doesn't want one video game or onesuggesting that games influence brain
video game console, he wants the Nintendo, thedevelopment for the negative and the too much
Sony and the Xbox and he wants all the gamestime in front of a screen makes children more
that go with it. He also wants access to theeasily distracting and increases the difficulty they
computer so that he can play games on thehave in remaining still. The ever increasing
computer as well. It is as if he is plugged intodiagnosis of disorders like Attention Deficit
these games all the time, at least he would like toHyperactivity Disorder may suggest that the
be if allowed. Video games are big business, withnumber of hours in front of highly stimulating
over $13 billion spent each year on video andobjects may be compromising our children's ability
computer games. This suggests that an awful lotto be attentive and to occupy themselves quietly.
of playing is going on. New releases of games areComputer and video games will only add to this
eagerly anticipated by players and many are willingproblem. And there is the issue of video game
to stand in line for a day or two to get hold of aaddiction.
new system or spend hours hunting down a newWhile the American Medical Association has
release. Unquestionably, video games aredecided that there is insufficient evidence to
attractive toys, particularly to boys.declare excessive video gaming an addiction, it is
Undoubtedly, parents have been concerned for aonly because of a lack of sufficient research.
long time about the consuming nature of videoThere are many that believe in time, excessive
games. Hours spent in front of a screen, in thevideo gaming will be a recognized disorder. There
dark if possible "can't be healthy" for a child. Theare clinics that are beginning to offer treatment
encouragement to play or more traditional boardfor gaming addiction and there are support groups
game or to even go outside and play isbeginning to form to deal with the issue. Addiction
something any boy of the electronic age hasseems to present itself most often with games
heard in response to his desire to play hisassociated with on line communities.
electronic games. But is there any danger in videoThese games usually involve the development of
games? It is possible to overdo any activity, evencharacters. These characters can develop abilities
good ones. One can sleep too much, exerciseand skills as well as accumulate weapons and
excessively and certainly we can eat too muchother assets that are valuable in the game world.
hence it is without question possible to play videoThe development of these characters takes
games in excess. But defining excess can bemany hours to develop and make the game very
difficult. Clearly, three to four hours a day everyengrossing. Combined with the possibility of
day would be viewed as excessive by most, butinteracting with others, these online games form a
what about three to four hours on the weekend?type of alternate world into which many escape.
Should we count it only if they are played straightThere have been recent stories of divorces,
through or even if there are sizable chunks ofhealth problems, child neglects and even death
time in between sessions? Is it excessive if thereassociated with these games in particular. Is your
is no real demonstrative impact on the child andchild addicted? Ask yourself the following
his behavior, attitudes and performance? There isquestions -
also the variability within children to consider, someDoes your child:o play almost every day?o often
will be affected more easily by gaming thanplay for long periods (over 3-4 hours a time)?o
others.play for excitement?o get restless and irritable if
There is growing evidence that video games canthey can't play?o sacrifice social and sporting
be both good and bad. Video games can teachactivities?o play instead of doing their
certain skills such as cooperation, strategy andhomework?o Try to cut down their playing but
team building as well as some exposure to thecan't?o Playing for increasing amounts of time?o
technology that is ubiquitous in today's world. TheThinking about gaming during other activities?o
new Wii is showing some benefits in terms ofGaming to escape from real-life problems,
physical activity and is being used by someanxiety, or depression?o Lying to friends and
physical therapists. Do a Google search on thefamily to conceal gaming?o Feeling irritable when
benefits of video games and you will findtrying to cut down on gaming?
reputable articles discussing the benefits of videoAnswering yes to four or more of these
games. But the dangers are there as well. It isquestions suggests that there may be a problem.
beyond doubt and well documented that TVIf there is a problem what can you do about it?
violence influences violence in children. While thereHere are some resources to get your started on
is little research into the connection betweendealing with your loved one's potential problem.
video games and violence, can the link be weaker1. Tips for Getting Video Gaming Under Control
than it is in television viewing? A game in whichNational Institute on Media and the Family
your character engages in violence has to be asTaming the Video Game Tiger
influential as TV. But the dangers seem to go2. Computer Addiction Services
beyond the potential influence these games mayMcLean Hospital
have on character.115 Mill Street
A recent study at Stanford UniversityBelmont, MA 02478
demonstrated that the brains of males respondedPhone: 617-855-2908
to video game playing more than the brains ofCall or write for a local referral
females, and that the increased brain activity was3. Center for Internet Addiction Recovery
in the pleasure center of the brain. While the(Go to:
number of participants were small (less than 25),Lists of resources and helps for a variety of
this type of research demonstrates that gamesonline addictive behaviors
do effect the brain. Other researchers are4. Talk to your family doctor about your concern.