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Computer and Video Game Addiction

"Computer games are ruining my life. If I'm not playing, I'm thinking about playing. I have, like, no real friends."

These are the words of a high school student addicted to the online computer game, Everquest. Addiction to the game is so common that many gamers refer to it with the nickname "Evercrack." The average Everquest player, or EQer, plays twenty hours a week. That's the average!

"His grades are down the tubes, he skips meals, and he hardly spends any time with his friends."

These are the words of a parent who recently phoned me desperate for help. I asked her to estimate how many hours a week her son spent playing games. "Forty-three," she immediately replied. "I kept track last week."

Millions of kids love video games, especially boys. Our national survey revealed that 92% of kids age 2-17 play regularly. That translates into 59 million young players. The overwhelming majority of these kids play their video games, do their homework, keep up their responsibilities, and have other interests. No problem. So please don't get me wrong-I'm not saying that video and computer games are bad for kids. I think games like the Myst and Sim games are great. They're also a lot better than most of what is on TV.

Some kids, however, get hooked. Computer game addiction is real and growing. No one knows how many kids are obsessed, but I know the toll is mounting. How will a parent know if her son or daughter is headed for trouble?

You should be concerned if your child:

• Repeatedly breaks family rules about when and how much game playing is allowed.
• Withdraws from friends and activities to spend time playing.
• Sneaks and lies about game playing.
• Neglects school work and other responsibilities.
• Throws temper tantrums when limits are imposed.

Some parent-child arguments about video and computer games are part of 21st century America. So don't panic if you have your share of those. On the other hand, don't ignore signs of a real problem with compulsive playing. Here are some tips to make sure computer and video game playing remains a positive part of your children's lives.

• Set clear ground rules about when, where, how much, and what kind of game playing is allowed.
• Limit game playing time.
• Require that homework and other chores be completed first.
• Keep video and computer games out of kids' bedrooms.
• Consistently enforce the rules. If your child refuses to cooperate, restrict access for a period of time.
• If nothing else works, go cold turkey. Get rid of the games.