Is your teen suffering from video game addiction? Do you find that they are always glued to the computer or TV and only want to play video games or hang out on Facebook or MySpace? Are you worried you may be losing your teen because of their video game addiction?
A recent study performed by researcher Douglas Gentile, from Iowa State University found that “Pathological Video Game Use among Youth 8 to 18: A National Study,” shows that one in ten youths, because of video game addiction, may be suffering from family, social, school or psychological damage because of video game addiction. The study performed for video game addiction is the same type of study used on pathological gamblers.
While most teens (and adults) are enjoying their video games via Xbox and Sony Playstation, there is a clear line between being able to play some video games and then walk away, versus always wanting to play video games and being irritated or withdrawn if they can’t.
Video game and technology addiction is similar to many addictions (except food or drugs which adds a chemical component) in that if a person is doing something too much, it means they are escaping reality and must not be happy with their life in some way that makes them want to play video games more then just live life.
In Asia (specifically Korea) they are doing huge studies now on rehabilitating teens from video game addiction. Video games started in Asia so the problem is more advanced there then it is here in the states. Unfortunately, their only solutions so far are military camps and extreme “tough love” measures.
Here at the Teen Support Institute, we believe any addiction starts with a choice and a belief. Your teen is choosing to play video games over other activities in life because they believe it is better or more pleasurable.
So what’s the cure to teen video game and technology addiction?
As simple as it may sound, the way you transform this challenge is by helping them find other things they can be more excited about. If they are more excited about something else in life, they will “naturally” put their energy into that versus playing video games.
Also, you must consider the fact that your teen may be addicted to video games because they are not wanting to face something in “real life” so the video game world is more pleasurable to them.
If you need some help with your teen in getting them to balance out their video game habits, then give us a call. We’d love to help!