Leslie Fiedler

How long should kids be allowed to play video games for serious addiction problem?

We've bought over $3650 Aust.worth of games over the past five years and my little nephew won't give video games a break. He practically plays them from the moment he gets home until he sleeps then all weekend. We try to get him away from them as much as we can but feel as though it's our fault because we used to play video games all of the time. He does do afternoon sports and watches a few cartoons before he goes to bed. But we're afraid he has too much of a video game addiction. He's only ten. Should we stop buying him games? What to do we've bought a wii and playstation 3 and also own and xbox and whole bunch of gamecube games. Is there anything we can do? Is it safe for kids to grow up this way?

Public Comments

1. My little brother is exactly like that and he started not doing homework, skipping school, faking sick, etc. to stay home and play games. He also turned into a spoiled little brat. I would suggest no games or tv until homework is done and then restricted play time for only 1-2 hours per day.
2. if he is only 10 thats normal just let him be a kid
3. Put all the systems up but one. Put all the games up...but one. Leave that one setup out for a month. Offer a new and interesting alternative every day. It might be hard to do *every* day, but if you check your community calendar or a church group (or Scouts or sports or what have you) you should find something for MOST nights. After a few weeks...he might join you.
4. lol no it isnt healthy. he needs to learn that there is other things like he can read to book to inrich his mind inttead of feeling it up with games and more games. I know cuz im goin through the same thing now, but after awhile he'll step away from playing vidoe games so much. But ou should sell some of the game cubs,x-box. but keep the wii and ps3. but again talk to him and tell him why it isnt healthy and there other things to do like hanging with friends. He should understand. Someone kids can get so addicated to gaes when u take it away from them they will cry and cry untill u give in dont do that. Be strong and so will he. Good Luck!
5. Children need interaction with humans - not electronic gadgets! Shame on you for buying the junk in the first place!!! Throw them ALL in the garbage and interact with the child!
6. Not safe for kids to be growing up like that, no. Stop buying him games UNLESS it's his b-day. Don't flood his presents with video games though. Get him something other than that. It sounds like you guys bought WAYYYYYY too much stuff like that. I'd hate to say this, but it was almost too late.