Games under attack: Addiction and Violence

Many of us have stayed up late more than once playing our favorite computer or online games. And some of us have even heard complaints from our families and significant others about the amount of time we spend playing online games rather than with them. Maybe a few of us have even wished we could sneak in a game while we were at work.

Online gaming addiction seems to be most widespread in Asia; at least, many of the more extreme news stories about it have been coming out of South Korea. It is no wonder, with about 30 percent of the population registered in online games. The country also has the world’s highest rate of broadband connectivity, at 70 percent. Those who don’t have broadband themselves can play online games such as World of Warcraft at any of the country’s highly popular Internet cafes.

Video games, especially those that contain violence, are becoming increasingly popular with children of young ages. Playing violent games may be associated with a tendency to behave more aggressively, although the data are inconclusive about the cause and effect nature of this relationship.

Some children get into bad habits with their homework because they become preoccupied with TV programs or video games. Some middle school children become sidetracked by their social life or by sports. Other children who find schoolwork difficult would simply rather play. If parents help these children cut back other activities to reasonable amounts and count on the teacher to grade the child's efforts on schoolwork and homework, most of these children will improve. Motivation for good grades eventually comes from a desire to please the teacher and be admired by peers, enjoyment in knowing things, ability to see studying as a pathway to a future career