Video Games Addiction

WHAT IS VIDEO GAMES ADDICTION?
Video game addiction is described as an impulse control disorder.

WHAT CAN WE DO INSTEAD OF VIDEO GAMES?
•Take the entire family outside for a walk, game or picnic
•Play “old-fashioned” board games as a family
•Join a club or sports team
•Get a pet and take responsibility for its care
•Read a good book at the library
•Take a class like music, art

VIDEO GAMES ADDICTION WARNING SIGNS
Spending a lot of time gaming doesn't necessarily qualify as an addiction.
Some warning signs of game addiction:
•Most non-school hours are spent on the computer or playing video games
•Falling asleep in school
•Falling behind with assignments
•Worsening grades
•Lying about computer or video game use
•Choosing to use the computer or play video games, rather than see friends
•Dropping out of other social groups (clubs or sports)
•Being irritable when not playing a video game or being on the computer


EFFECTS OF VIDEO GAMES ADDICTION
Physical consequences of gaming addiction include carpal tunnel, migraines, sleep disturbances, backaches, eating irregularities, and poor personal hygiene.
Some of the physical consequences of video game addiction can lead to social consequences as well. For instance, an addicted gamer who loses sleep.Lack of sleep may also make him irritable and difficult to be around.
Social consequences are a very real part of gaming addiction. Addicted gamers spend so much time playing that their personal relationships get neglected and sometimes disappear altogether.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
Video game addiction is a real concern for parents. With video game addiction on the rise, parents are urged to take action. They will get more information and help other people who are addicted. They will share how we can avoid this addiction.
•Limit video game playing time.
•Keep video and computer games out of bedrooms.
•Doing different outdoor activities everyday.

  SURVEY

   If you agree with these statements about your child, please check the box. o My child feels great while playing video games.

o My child feels unhappy, cranky, or irritable when not playing.
o My child is angry or has a temper tantrum when I ask him to stop.
o My child craves more playing time.
o My child spends much of her time playing games.
o My child thinks about the game when not playing.
o More and more of my child’s friends are “online friends.”
o More and more of my child’s friends are gamers.
o My child would rather play video games than be with family and friends.
o My child neglects responsibilities, such as homework and family chores, to play games.
o My child tries to cut back on playing time, but can’t.
o My child plays mores often than he plans.
o My child plays for longer periods than planned.
o She can’t seem to quit playing.
o My child sometimes lies about his playing time.
o My child sometimes sneaks in time to play, such as before school or late into the night.
o My child stays (or wants to stay) home from school to play video games.
o My child spends more than twenty hours a week playing video games.
o My child continues to play in spite of negative consequences.
o My child has arguments with me about how much time she spends playing.
o My child’s games turn up as a top priority when he/she takes the MediaWise “I’d Rather” Assessment.
The more boxes you checked, the more likely video game play may be a cause for concern. See other resources in this guide to help you make a change. Take the MediaWise Video and Computer Game Addiction Survey Guide to Video Game Addiction This handout may be reproduced for educational, noncommercial uses only (with this copyright line). This content has been provided as a free download on ParentFurther.comSM, an online resource from Search Institute®, Minneapolis, MN; 800-888-7828; www.search-institute.org. All rights reserved. MediaWise “I’d Rather” Assessment™ Have your child fill out this survey. Check the box next to each statement you agree with.

o I’d rather play video games than hang out with my friends.
o I’d rather play video games than play any sports.
o I’d rather play video games than spend time with my family.
o I’d rather play video games than eat. o I’d rather play video games than sleep.
o I’d rather play video games than talk on the phone.
o I’d rather play video games than go to school or work.
o I’d rather play video games than go to a movie. o I’d rather play video games than watch TV.
o I’d rather play video games than use the Internet.
o I’d rather play video games than listen to music.
 o I’d rather play video games than exercise.
o List the things you’d rather do than play video games: 1.__________________________________________ 2.__________________________________________ 3.__________________________________________

Some Pictures and Videos during my action 

Warned 3rd graders about video games addiction.

http://www.parentfurther.com/sites/default/files/downloads/video-game-addiction-guide.pdf