FPS & MMOG’s (If you know what this title means, you will benefit from reading…)

Since we are officially in the Summer season, I think it is important to look at how routines change for the students of Atlanta. With the slowing economic tide that we are facing, many employers are not hiring as much summer help as in years past. As a result many students are spending much of their time in the home, at the pool or lake, or in front of the television set. Many of those students who are in front of the TV are not just watching TV, but they are playing videogames for hours, even days on end. With FPS (First Person Shooter) and Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) being the most addictive type of games, parents are having a difficult time getting their pre-teens, teens, and even spouses outside of the room where their computer or videogame consoles are located.

Gaming is a growing problem for families. Parents often wait until it is “too late” to intervene before their students are “hooked” on gaming.  Then the struggle begins with setting up parental controls, only to have the password “hacked” within hours or days, then the student can have violent outbursts when the computer/controllers are removed from his/her room, and even physical violence can escalate in the home. Parents, we urge you to not wait until your child/spouse is addicted to seek assistance.  Much like having a healthy diet and exercise regiment are important to remain physically healthy, finding alternatives and limits to gaming are important for the person you care about.

By Adam Glendye MAMFT
aglendye@growcounseling.com