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Will my child become addicted to video games? This video game contract may help

Is my child addicted to video games? I am worried if I let them play they will become addicted. We always end up in arguments whenever I tell them to get off and do something else. Should I stop my child playing games now so they don’t get addicted?

These are some of the most common questions I get asked when it comes to parenting with technology. The short answer is, “no…..more than likely your child will not become ‘addicted’ to video games”. That’s not to say that some people don’t, but the average tween or teen hanging out on Minecraft and Clash of the Clans will not turn into a video game junkie incapable of doing anything else.

It does however,  require a little bit of input from parents, in order to prevent them from sliding into the video game abyss.

There are few things that are more valued and important, particularly in a young boys world, than the video game. And there are few things that cause parents more anxiety and consternation than their child’s obsession with all things technology and gaming. Mostly their concerns are based around the amount of time played and the appropriateness of the content. Here I will focus on the first concern as it relates to addiction (the second concern requires a whole other post)!

Obsession, addiction or just plain fun?

A new game, like any new toy, is usually played often and with much gusto.  Yes, many will even display obsession like behaviours. But generally this enthusiasm begins to wane a little and kids start to self regulate their playing time better. They play for shorter periods of time, they move on to different games and the novelty starts to wear off.

But of course not always.

Sometimes the games take over from normal everyday interactions with family and friends. Sometimes they are a distraction that prevent homework getting done. Sometimes it is easier to stay on a couch playing games than run around outside or climb a tree (if only we let them). Sometimes it is a way to deal with other disorders such as depression and anxiety. When it starts to interfere with normal life, then yes,  gaming has become a problem.

Why the appeal?

It is important we take time to understand why our kids love playing games so much. I know myself as a child I spent my downtime watching TV (much less interactive) and later playing the Atari and Game boy versions of video games.  I remember the elation at playing a new game, and the way I looked forward to these moments of ‘chilling out’. There is also a certain sense of control that comes with playing games. For those kids who dont always flourish on the sports field or excel socially,  playing a video game gives them a chance to win, beat systems, move up levels and find a connection with other players. They can also make mistakes without an audience of peers looking on. Playing video games has been proven to be a great stress release for  kids and can certainly help their emotional wellbeing. Being allowed to play games and talk about them can be an important part of how kids relate to the world.

As parents, it can be a good idea to play the games with our kids, not only to have some fun with them, but to show them we are not so far removed from their world. We want to avoid the rolled eyes and selective hearing of a child  who believes they are hearing yet another nagging lecture from someone who just doesn’t get it. It doesn’t have to be for hours,  just 10 minutes to get a little understanding and maybe even have a laugh with them.

So whilst we know there are  many benefits to kids playing video games and there is much research to support these beliefs, we also know that too much of anything is never a good thing.

So what can you do to ensure your kids get to the point of self regulating, or at least finish up their game without a full blown argument every time?

Keep it under control

I have created this contract for parents to use with their kids. No it isn’t legally binding. No it isn’t to be used instead of teaching discipline and respect. No it isn’t a pretence that every child will consistently do what it says. No it isn’t going to work for all age groups or all kids. But it is a pretty solid way to open the lines of communication with your kids who are beginning to get immersed in the world of video games.

It is merely aimed at providing some boundaries for kids to abide by in order for them to continue to enjoy the privilege of playing their games in a safe and responsible manner.

But keep in mind, we are our kids greatest role model. If your eyes are constantly on a screen or you are forever  swiping away on a phone, remember the message you are sending to your kids. Let them see you put it away, participate in real life and maintain those real life connections and experiences.

video game contract

Click here for a PDF version of the video game contract

Whilst a good game can give kids the hope of being successful, a social connection and a meaning beyond the self,  like all things in life, it needs to be balanced with other pursuits and everyday interactions.

Is your child a video game player? Do you have any concerns about how they play?

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This Post Has 20 Comments

  1. Aroha @ Colours of Sunset

    This is fantastic Martine! My 5 year old is pretty obsessed with wii, the ipad and his ipod for games. But then so are his father and I, so how can we blame him? I think this contract could be used for many things – for parents to get off their phones/computers also! I love it! Thanks for sharing! -Aroha (for #teamIBOT)

    1. Martine Oglethorpe

      Thanks Aroha, glad you found it useful. Yes you are very right…many parents could do with one of these too! 🙂

  2. No addiction yet but I can see it down the track! I just take the iPads off them when they are glued to them, there’s tears but they get over it quickly! Think I’ll print this out for my hubby though, he’s addicted to a game and it drives me up the WALL 😉

  3. Kirsten McCulloch

    We have steered clear of video games mostly in our house (our kids are at a Steiner school, where they *strongly* discourage all forms of screen time for young kids, and especially on school days), however they have some access to games on our phones and – in the case of my eldest – at friend’s houses. We are nearing a point where we *may* actually get minecraft ourselves, mostly because we are going to be spending the second half of this year o/s and I can see it having value in keeping in touch with kids here (playing on a private server), and as a reward when all school work is done for the day (we will be homeschooling for the 6 months). So I will be interested to download and read your contract, thanks.

    1. Martine Oglethorpe

      Thanks Kirsten. I think Minecraft can be a great game and there are some excellent learning opportunities with games like that too. Like everything though, we got to keep it in moderation.

  4. Jody at Six Little Hearts

    Fantastic post! I recently laid down the law at my house over the gaming issue. I have now banned all gaming from Monday morning until the end of school Friday afternoon – no gaming whatsoever. The kids must entertain themselves by other means. Come Friday arvo, they are game-starved and hit them with abandon for the weekend. This is working nicely for me. It means they are imaginative and interactive all week and they can now associate the gaming with leisure instead of it being the constant it was. I blogged my initial start to my new system. It’s going well and is here to stay! I will have to check out your contract too!

    1. Martine Oglethorpe

      Well done Jody. Thats great. I think it is really important to find something that suits your family that you are able to make work. I will check out your new system on your blog 🙂

  5. This is a fantastic idea. My boys do tend to get a bit addicted and we have to keep the screens down to a dull roar. But since I too love my screens – though it’s more work than play, but then work IS play – my sympathies are with the kids a lot. I’m amazed at how much less my wee girl loves screens.

    1. Martine Oglethorpe

      As I only have boys Seana I cant really say whether it is more of a boy thing. Possibly the games are but I would say social media in general would be more evenly spread. And I think that is the hard argument I have often had with my kids when I am using my screens too….but I am working….they try and tell me they are too!

  6. Sally@Toddlers on Tour

    We bought a WiiU for Christmas and I must admit for the first week or so we were ALL a bit addicted.

    However I introduced a few simple rules: some hand writing practice, maths and reading must be done before the game is played – it has become a great bribe to get these things done.

    There have benefits of the game that we didn’t realise we we introduced it: our son has learnt patience, that you have to keep practising something new to achieve results and even adults can’t do everything – the frustrations he use to feel have reduced dramatically.

    Who would have thought a video game could teach some valuable life lessons.

    1. Martine Oglethorpe

      Good to have some effective bribes! Love that you have recognised some of the positive outcomes as well.

  7. My girls are obsessed with SIms at the moment. They insist on playing it on my computer which then just slows EVERYTHING down. Miss 16 just purchased her own computer so hopefully the Sims have shifted residence in this house!! All homework must be done before playing and everything tidy.. they are pretty good I must admit.

    1. Martine Oglethorpe

      Oh yes, that is definitely a negative. Minecraft has slowed down my computer too!

  8. Lucy @ Bake Play Smile

    What a great idea! Video games are ridiculously addictive to kids! Great to have a bit of balance… video games are ok and then get outside and play! xxx

  9. Grace

    A contract is a great idea, Martine.
    The twinions are only 4 years old and I can already start to see the obsession. While the tantrums are funny, they are a little bit scary as to what can potentially be much worse in later years.
    At this stage, they’re starting to understand time limits (thank goodness!) so if I give them advance notice that the computer is going off in 5 minutes, the tantrum has (slightly) less intensity.
    But gee, it’s hard!

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