How many times have you heard it? Video games are bad for your children. Limit your child’s time on video games. Video games cause ADD and ADHD. With a new study out that states 1 in 10 children are addicted to video games; parents are again questioning whether or not they should be limiting their child’s time on video games to avoid video game addiction. If you’re wondering if your child has video game addiction or if you should limit their time playing, here are some guidelines to help you decide.

Is your child addicted to video games?

The latest study out about video games is pretty scary. It states that 1 out of every 10 children is addicted. Obviously, if you think your child is one if these kids, you need to limit their time playing these games. Here are some warning signs.

Does your child lie about the amount of time he spends playing video games?

Does your child use video games to escape from real life?

Does your child use most of his free time playing video games?

Is your child and falling asleep in school because of times spent playing or thinking about video games?

Would your child rather play video games than spend time with friends or family?

Has your child quit playing sports or being active in after school activities so he can spend that time with his video games?

Is your child grouchy or irritable when he is not playing video games?

Is your child falling behind in schoolwork or home chores because he can’t tear himself away from the games?

If you can answer yes to any of the above questions, you may have a problem on your hands. It is your job as a parent to intervene and set guidelines for your child’s video game use. Even if you don’t think your child has a full-blown addiction, the time to put a stop to it is now.

To treat an addiction or stop it before it gets out of hand, try some of these tips.

Talk to your child about your concerns. Gently point out the negative effects of his video game playing - loss of contact with friends, loss of contact with family members, schoolwork, family responsibilities.

Limit your child’s time on the computer. Together, make a list of things your child can be doing during his off-line time. Make sure there is an adult to supervise his off-line time to make sure he isn’t sneaking and playing games.

Spend time with your child doing fun activities that he previously enjoyed. Many children fall into playing so many video games because the parents are busy and don’t spend the time needed with their children. Make sure this isn’t the case.

Help your child with his homework to make sure it is done correctly and completely.

Make sure your child is in bed at a reasonable hour and doesn’t have access to the computer after you go to bed. Take the video CD or even the hard drive to your room so he doesn’t have access to it.

Parenting is hard work but one that is very rewarding. Protecting your child against video game addiction is just one more thing that parents must be diligent about. Observe your child to see if he has signs of video game addiction and if he does, take steps today to treat that addiction.

Javier Hernandez

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