Game over: Kids spending too much time on computers

One young lady who was interviewed by DPA revealed that her whole life revolved around computer games. She is just one among hundreds of thousands of youths who become so immersed in computer gaming worlds that they lose control of their real lives and become addicted.

The increasing problem of addiction to computer games among youths of course is not a problem in Germany alone. In Thailand, we have seen all-too-familiar stories of youngsters committing crimes such as robbery to get money to play computer games. And we suspect that certain games can breed violence in some.

Computer games can be an entertaining leisure activity, but too much exposure to the medium can be counter-productive. Children in particular should be taught about appropriate time allowances for playing computer games compared to other time spent on creative activities to encourage analytical and creative thinking when they are still young.

The DPA report reiterates that computer gaming addiction can emotionally affect young people later in life. It has been suggested that some people may have communication problems if they have allowed virtual relationships to become more important than those in the real world.

Parents and schools need to provide children and youths with resources - such as in sports and music - to encourage them to spend time more constructively. Alternative creative gaming is one area in which children should be encouraged to immerse themselves - by solving practical problems with real-life applications.