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Gaming Addictions:

It’s 3pm. You hear the school bus pull away from the curb and head off down the street. Moments later, the front door opens. A book bag hits the floor with a solid thud, followed immediately by the sound of stampeding footsteps descending the stairs into the family room. And there they will stay, until you forcibly pry the controller from their cramped hand and replace it with a fork for dinner.

Video games have been widely credited for the phenomenon known by parents as “The Magically Disappearing Kid”. Unfortunately, for some, this enthusiastic pastime can turn into a full-blown psychological addiction.

Just like gambling, video games saturate the player with a rush of adrenaline, risk, suspense and excitement. Rewards are eagerly sought around every turn, and each failure serves as an invitation to try again. The enticement of success encourages fanatical repetition, even in the face of failure. With new age gaming, the additional allure of social stimulation, and even social obligation to gaming peers, completes the scenario.
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What can you do?

Research on the topic of gaming addictions is expanding. As with anything else, the wise parent pursues a policy of moderation. Gaming time should be monitored, and rationed when necessary. Remain alert for signs that video game playing has eclipsed traditional, more beneficial pastimes, such as physical recreation. If a gamer isolates themselves from others in order to play the game, forgets about things that used to be important to them, exhibits signs of distress when detached from the game, or only seems to be happy when playing the game, its time to take a real close look.