FAMILY & PARENTING
GAME ON
Video game addiction is real and could be hiding in your playroom. Read about signs, behaviors and ways parents can reconnect with kids and set boundaries around video games. BY MELISSA TUCKER
T
hough many parents might be frustrated with the amount of time their kids spend playing video games, they could be right to worry if their gaming habit starts to resemble an addiction. “When you talk about the problem of video game addiction, it’s on a spectrum,” said Dr. Nihit Kumar, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. “It ranges from playing an hour or two all the way to playing to an extent that you’re neglecting your physical health and relationships, and at that point, it becomes a disorder.” He said some kids and adults can play and not become addicted, but a subset of those who play may develop a problematic game disorder. If video gaming habits start to crowd out other interests such as playing sports, spending time with friends or family, or other previous hobbies, parents should be concerned.
14 JULY 2020 | SAVVYKIDSAR.COM
