Video games may seem like a harmless leisure activity, especially after a long day at school, but they might pose more of a threat to children than one would assume. Young video game addicts are on the rise and are plaguing the youth population. Some are utterly unable to separate themselves from the game and play for hours/days at a time. Others ignore health and personal hygiene for their obsession. In one extreme case from 2010 in Philadelphia, a young teen was so dependent on his Playstation for satisfaction that he brutally and grotesquely murdered his mother for taking it away from him.
The Signs and Symptoms of Youth Video Game Addiction
In a research survey of kids ages 8-18, roughly 8.5% exhibited signs of pathological gaming addiction. These signs are similar to that of any other addiction, especially analogous to obsessive gamblers. Worried parents should look for the following symptoms in their child: a decline in grades or interest in school work due to game preoccupation, trouble paying attention in class, decline in personal hygiene (ie. The child doesn’t shower for days at a time because they’re too busy playing), delaying or denying food, and various other symptoms. Parents should also know that boys are more susceptible to video game addiction than girls are.
Biology and Brain Chemistry are Potentially to Blame for Obsessive Gamers
There are several factors that may contribute to this addiction. Aside from being hooked on the social component or “leveling up”, there may be a physiological explanation for this behavior. Research conducted at Hammersmith Hospital in London discovered that the level of dopamine doubles in a child or adult's mind when they play video games. Since dopamine is a hormone associated with pleasure, this study concluded that gaming could actually be biologically addictive. Overall, video games can be a potential hazard for children everywhere. It is important to keep tabs on youth gaming activity to ensure they are safe from harm.
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