CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Playing video games isn’t just fun and games. Some experts say gaming stimulates the brain the same way illegal drugs do.
Gaming can take on a mind of it’s own says mom of four Melanie Hempe. She says it starts off as 20 minutes, next thing you know two hours passes, “I would talk to other moms and they would all be gaming too so we thought, well at least they’re home we knew where they were. “
Another mom Ann Gleason had a gut feeling her kids were in over their heads when every dinner conversation started revolving around video games. Ann and her husband decided to take away all games for two months, “When my eight year old looked at me with tears in his eyes and said don’t take away the only thing I love, I thought now I know I’m doing the right thing.”
Gaming addiction is real says Dr. Andrew Doan, author of Hooked on Games: The Lure and Cost of Video Game and Internet Addiction. He says MRI scans show the brain of a gamer lights up just like someone addicted to drugs or alcohol, “It actually stimulates the brain dopamine system which is the primary neurotransmitter that makes you feel good feel elated.”
Parents pay close attention to the warning signs. If your child’s grades start to slip, if they’re lying about gaming and losing track of time or if they’re talking about these games way too much it’s time for you to step in.
Dr. Doan recommends no gaming devices for anyone under 13 years of age. He says parents should stick to the ratings on games, “There’s no reason why a child should play grand theft auto which is an adult only game. There’s no reason why a pre-teen should play call of duty.”
Melanie says having a game free home is easier to monitor. She says the best part is when her kids get bored they get creative. Her son Andrew loves board games and sports. He plays the piano and the violin, “Whenever I get the chance to play out in the front yard or in the back yard play catch with the football, then I love reading.”
Melanie and Dr. Doan developed an organization called Real Battle Ministries to educate parents on the seriousness of gaming addiction. The next seminar will be held on November 4th.
To attend the event or to learn more about Real Battle Ministries check out their website:
