The dangers of gaming: Addiction becomes a growing concern.

Byline: Matthew Price

Dec. 23--Missing work, failing classes, sleeping late: These symptoms could be signs of an addiction -- to video games. Compulsive video game playing is a growing problem among teens and young men, said Dr. Maressa Hecht Orzack, co-coordinator of the Computer Addiction Service at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass. "Many, many of them are very bright, and suddenly at 15 or 16 or 17 begin to show signs of other things, and they go off into these far- reaching places (on the computer)," Orzack said. A recent report from the National Institute on Media and the Family, an independent and nonprofit organization, showed video game addiction among the young is a growing concern. The institute's report said reports suggest that between 5 percent and 20 percent of video gamers could be addicted, the number is on the rise and more information is needed. While there is disagreement about the extent and the consequences of the problem, many people agreed that parents should be involved with and aware of their children's game playing and Internet time. Parents, caregivers and youths in Oklahoma City said parental oversight was a big part of a successful plan for video game usage. Shawn Tkach, 14, from Oklahoma City, said his parents are aware of the game ratings. "If it's teen or under, they'll let me have it," he said. "But if it's mature, I have to show them what it's about." Shawn said his parents would read game reviews and seek more information about mature-rated games before approving or disapproving them. Shawn said his parents don't approve of games with heavy violent content. Drew Bullard, 14, of Oklahoma City said his parents also would do additional research into games he requested.

"They go online and check it out, and see if it's OK," he said.

Sarah Pitt, 25, of Oklahoma City baby-sits for children under 10. She said the children's game time was monitored, as well as the types of games they play. "They don't play 'T' or 'M,'" she said, referring to the game ratings for "teen" and "mature." "They can't play the ones with guns or anything that has any sort of violence." The institute, online at www.mediafamily.org, reports that heavy use of video games can lead to obesity and poorer grades. Video game publisher Konami, for one, said it is trying to combat the obesity problem. The company's "Dance Dance Revolution" is being used in West Virginia physical education classes to encourage exercise. A pilot research study has shown early indications that the program is successful. Many other schools across the nation have "Dance Dance Revolution" as a part of the physical education curriculum, Konami reported. To combat addiction and the problems associated with it, Orzack recommends keeping computers and game consoles in the family room, and cautions against using a game system or the Internet as a baby sitter. "If there is a simple message we can give to parents, it is this: 'Watch what your kids watch, play what your kids play,'" Walsh said.

Copyright (c) 2006, The Daily Oklahoman

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