A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that nearly one of every 10 children is addicted, on some level, to video games.
The study, conducted by Douglas Gentile, director of research for the National Institute on Media and the Family, found that about 8.5 percent of children tested display at least six of 11 “addictive” signs, including skipping chores or homework to play, getting restless or irritable when they try to cut down their game play, or playing games to avoid problems.
Some experts say more research needs to be done before any definitive conclusions can be reached, and Gentile admits the report actually “yields far more questions than answers”; but he adds that games do appear to cause or aggravate real-world problems in some children.
“I would hope parents pay attention to this,” said David Walsh, president of the National Institute on Media and the Family. “Most kids play video games and enjoy them and it’s just one of the things they enjoy doing. But for one out of 10 kids, it is a problem.” (USA Today)
