"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.
