Addiction to video games</> and the excessive use of on-line gaming has become a very hot topic. Every week in my office I have parents complaining about how long their kids are gaming. Many are even questioning whether their kids have an addiction to video games. Some of the more popular culprits include computer games such as Runescape, WOW (World of Warcraft), many varieties on X-box, and other gaming systems.

There are a number of studies conducted documenting what seems to be a new addiction to video games. One study by the American Academy of Pediatrics studied more than 3,000 students in Singapore and found that approximately 9% of them were considered to be involved in excessive gaming. In all studies, boys were found to be more likely to have an addiction to video games than girls.

Additionally, in the AAP study, more than two years later, 84% of the students continued to show an addiction to video games. This suggested that this excessive gaming may not simply be a phase the kids were going through. Furthermore, these gamers had higher levels of depression and other mental health issues than peers who played fewer games and for fewer hours. Fortunately, it was also shown that students who conquered their addiction to video games reduced their levels of depression, anxiety and social phobia.

Symptoms of Addiction to Video Games

There are a cluster of symptoms that are being reported on WebMD and other sites as warning signs for addiction to video games:

• Most of their “free time,” non-school hours are spent on the computer or playing video games.
• Fatigue; tendency to fall asleep in school.
• Not keeping up with homework assignments/not turning in homework on time.
• Worsening grades.
• Lying about computer or video game use so computer or video game privileges aren’t taken away.
• Choosing the computer or playing video games rather than spending time with friends or family.
• Dropping out of activities such as social groups, clubs, or sports.
• Irritable, cranky or agitated (withdrawal symptoms) when not playing a video game or on the computer.

What I am seeing in my office, and has been substantiated by other clinicians and researchers, is that students with the tendency toward addiction to video games are ones who have poor self-esteem and generally have few, if any, friends. They tend to be students who are not involved in other activities, who isolate themselves on the computer and escape into role-playing games or those where they assume a great deal of power and control.

If you are having concerns about the amount of time your child is playing any techno-games and the possibility of addiction to video games, take action! Limiting the amount of play to the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation of one hour per day for elementary age children and two hours of screen time for teens should put some balance back into their lives, and make way for other activities and help avoid possible addiction to video games.

However, if your attempts to limit screen time creates marked anger and increased aggression in your child, it means that there is an addictive quality to his playing and he may actually have an “addiction to video games.”  If this is the case, playing needs to be ceased altogether.

You will be amazed at how many parents have reported that after limiting video time, or removing it completely (as a consequence, for example), kids actually start going outside to play, regain interest in their toys, come out into the family room where other members are gathered and even seem far less sullen, and even … dare I say it? … happy!

And, if the idea of taking away video games makes you fearful of your child’s reaction … then, you may already have a serious addiction to video games on your hands. If necessary, seek the assistance of a child psychologist or other expert who specializes in working with children and teens.

How are you handling the video craze? What is your opinion about addiction to video games? Please feel free to comment below.

AUTHOR OVERVIEW

Dr. Vicki Panaccione Child Psychologist and Parenting Expert

Dr. Vicki Panaccione has been called, “The World’s Expert in Parenting,” and “The Oprah Winfrey of Families.” She is an internationally recognized child psychologist, speaker, parent coach, best-selling author and radio personality who has dedicated her 25 year career working with 100’s of children and helping 1000’s of parents raise happy, successful kids…and enjoy the ride! Visit her online at http://www.betterparentinginstitute.com/.

Tags: computer games, gaming, video game addiction