Video Game Addictions in Children

As of 2010, video game addiction is not yet formally recognized as a formal addiction by the American Medical Association (AMA), many believe it is only a matter of time. Video game addiction in children can especially be a serious problem, and a life of sitting inside, eating junk food, and staring at a TV or computer screen is only going to continue to contribute to social awkwardness, obesity, and even teen diabetes.

History

• Video game addiction is a relatively new phenomenon, as video games have only been around since the late 1970s. Reports of addictive behavior increased with the level of technology, and have been most common from the early 2000s. As games became larger, the graphics better, and the systems cheaper, reports of addictive behavior have climbed enormously.

Significance

• Video game addiction can have a significant effect on individuals, as well as on society in general. A sedentary lifestyle isn't healthy, and long periods playing video games stem social interaction. Video game addicts act like normal addicts in that important activities, such as school and work, fall by the wayside while their gaming habits continue.

Symptoms

• Video game addicts often display preoccupation with the game, sometimes to the point of obsession, even when not playing. Other common symptoms include marathon sessions of game playing, gaming to escape from depression or real life, an inability to cut down on gaming, and irritability, anger or other withdrawal symptoms when not gaming.

Effects

• The health effects on an individual who is addicted can be devastating. Children addicted to video games are more likely to be obese, have problems socializing with others in real life, and experience anxiety and depression. Long periods of sitting can impact health greatly, causing a wide range of conditions such as muscle tension, sore eyes, and even childhood diabetes.

Treatment Options

• Since video game addiction is not yet officially recognized by the AMA as of 2010, there is no "official" medical treatment. However, the first step is getting children to see that they are addicted and convincing them they need to stop. (In the Netherlands there are actually video game detox centers.) One of the things parents can do is limit the time children are allowed to play video games, or take a week or two weeks to go on a camping or RV vacation--minus any handheld video games.