Parents urged to limit playing time
Oh boy, here we go again. A recent study showed that one out of nine online gamers showed at least three signs of addiction.
Experts warn parents against the evils of children spending too much time playing video games. They said that children may experience the same withdrawal symptoms and the same signs of addiction as drug users and chronic gamblers.
Other groups have also warned parents about this issue. Boris Johnson, a Member of Parliament for Henley has recently opened the ongoing debate with an article on the Telegraph UK entitled, “The writing is on the wall – computer games rot the brain.”
According to experts, parents should be wary of withdrawal symptoms, mood swings, and neglect to do other things – the fingerprints of addiction. Parents should also look out for extended playing time, difficulty sleeping, and irritation. Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research said that computer games and computer use in general can excite the mind but he adds,
Parents should keep an eye on children. If they are spending too long with the game they should urge them to go out and develop as a person. It is about being a responsible parent and keeping an eye on your children. Making sure they do other things like read books and play sports as well.
Now before we all prepare to get on our high horses, parents aren’t really urged to take away the games from their children, experts are just reminding them to practice some parental control and atleast limit the time children spend on the games to enjoy other things.
Everything in moderation.
Oh boy, here we go again. A recent study showed that one out of nine online gamers showed at least three signs of addiction.
Experts warn parents against the evils of children spending too much time playing video games. They said that children may experience the same withdrawal symptoms and the same signs of addiction as drug users and chronic gamblers.
Other groups have also warned parents about this issue. Boris Johnson, a Member of Parliament for Henley has recently opened the ongoing debate with an article on the Telegraph UK entitled, “The writing is on the wall – computer games rot the brain.”
According to experts, parents should be wary of withdrawal symptoms, mood swings, and neglect to do other things – the fingerprints of addiction. Parents should also look out for extended playing time, difficulty sleeping, and irritation. Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research said that computer games and computer use in general can excite the mind but he adds,
Parents should keep an eye on children. If they are spending too long with the game they should urge them to go out and develop as a person. It is about being a responsible parent and keeping an eye on your children. Making sure they do other things like read books and play sports as well.
Now before we all prepare to get on our high horses, parents aren’t really urged to take away the games from their children, experts are just reminding them to practice some parental control and atleast limit the time children spend on the games to enjoy other things.
Everything in moderation.