media influence
Spotting Game Addiction
The patterns of pathological behavior have been studied by a group at McLean Hospital (Belmont, Massachusetts). Their finding with hundreds of video-game-addiction cases show that addicted gamers' lives are always significantly disrupted by the games. Some physical symptoms of addiction are also commonly present:
- Inability to stop the activity
- Neglecting family and friends
- Lying to employers and/or family about activities
- Problems with school or job
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Dry eyes
- Failure to attend to personal hygiene
- Sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns1
If you notice any of these signs in your child, take action. You may be wondering: when should I intervene? Should I really be concerned? Any of the above signs are an indication that your child is spending too much time in front of the screen. You may need to just cut down on game usage. Increase time limits and actively monitor screen time.
If you fear your child is losing sleep or if you notice his grades slipping, you should remove the gaming equipment from his bedroom. Make sure the gaming console or computer is centrally located in the home and enforce time limits. If his grades continue to slip, you may need to remove the equipment from the home.
If you feel that your child's attitude and behavior have changed drastically – he or she is obsessed with the game and acts out with severe hostility when unable to play – you may need to seek professional help to discover possible underlying problems. This would relate to extreme situations. In most cases, gaming can be controlled with consistent enforcement of stricter rules.
There are many documented cases in which gaming has destroyed marriages, families, careers, and entire lives. Moms and dads have an opportunity to avoid those problems by noticing signs of addiction in their children early and taking action.
Background Information
Video Game Ratings Explained
Ratings are helpful tools for parents who want to make informed buying decisions.
How Violent Media Affects the Brain
New research cements a link between violent video games and increased levels of violence in teens
The Power of the Media
It's hard to deny that music and visual images have tremendous sticking power. But do those lingering sensations really make a difference?
When Life Imitates Art
We need to be very careful about what we allow ourselves to watch and listen to. Examples of others who didn't make wise choices are numerous, and some of them are frightening.
Children and Television
If parents don't know what their children watch on TV, it may come back to haunt them.
Questions and Answers
I'm troubled by some of the CDs showing up in our home. How do we set a music standard for our 13-year-old daughter?
Answer
What are the long-term consequences when children watch violent and sexual content on television?
Answer
What is your opinion of video games?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
It Matters What They Watch
Steven slaughtered Xbox villains, watched R-rated movies and surfed endless channels on television. Trouble is, lax boundaries steered him down a destructive path.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Do What I Do
Children learn by watching us live our lives. It is all the more reason to live honorably.
Related Topics
Transitions: Having a Baby, Preparing for Adolescence
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-At-Home Moms, Time for Family
Relationships: Parents and Adult Children, Blended Families
