These past couple weeks there have been all sorts of reports in the news about whether or not excessive computer and video game playing is considered an addiction. I have to admit that there have definitely been times when I’ve worried that one of my kids IS addicted–whether it is to a computer game, My Space, television, or a video game! I have gotten pretty darn crabby when someone seems to be too focused on any one thing and neglected every thing else. But, I’ve also found that with my kids, what they are “totally into” for a week or month soon loses its appeal and goes by the wayside with other temporary fascinations.
I don’t know if I believe a person can become “addicted” to something like a computer or video game or not. I think we can all get really focused and distracted in something new. With my kids, they tend to discover something–like a new computer video game–and became focused on getting through the levels, mastering all the tricks and short-cuts and then pretty soon, what was consuming hours of their days, is abandoned. While I might get aggravated when they are in the midst of a “shiny, new toy”–there hasn’t ever been any lasting harm done.
So, I try to keep things in perspective. That doesn’t mean that I just let them do whatever they want and don’t put limits and guidelines on things. The fact that they have to share a computer and other resources helps to put some natural restrictions on each person’s use. And, I definitely mention it and have conversations with them when I think things are getting out of balance. But, they are pretty level-headed and eventually, that new “addiction” has given way to something else. While some kids are naturally moderate in their approach to life, I think others of us have to learn it through experience. Maybe I just haven’t seen any truly “addictive” behaviors yet so we are able to get by on my keeping an eye on things and working to help us all keep things in perspective.
See Also: A Parent’s Guide to Video Game Ratings
New Career Path: Playing Video Games as a Living
Parents Can Control The Video Games Their Child Plays