8 Signs Your Child is a Video Game Addict
Is your child hooked on video games? Learn to spot the signs of addiction.
Articles within this series
- Overview
- Types of Video Games
- How Computer and Video Games Are Rated
- Are There Benefits to Video Games?
- Detriments of Video Games
- 5 Mistakes That Can Turn Your
Child Into a Video Game Junkie - How to Choose Video Games Wisely
- Hooked! The Addictive Power of Video Games
- 8 Signs Your Child is a Video Game Addict
- Safeguards for Video Gameplay
- Next Steps / Related Information
Some people are wired to become addicted to the unique stimuli provided by video games. In their book, Playstation Nation, Kurt and Olivia Bruner provide a checklist of signs parents should watch for.
Does your child …
- Play almost every day?
- Play for extended periods (more than three or four hours at a time)?
- Play for excitement?
- Get restless and irritable if he or she can't play?
- Sacrifice social and sporting activities to play?
- Play instead of doing homework?
- Try in vain to limit playing time?
- Seem to be losing interest in real-life activities?
If your child exhibits some or all of these signs of addiction, or you just want to help prevent them, consider the safeguards for video gameplay provided in this series.
The original version of this article appeared in the October 2006 issue of Plugged In Magazine. Stay on top of the latest entertainment reviews, youth trends and cultural analysis with your own subscription.