The Hidden Dangers of Video Game Addiction: A Mom’s Perspective
As a mom of two active boys, I’ve always done my best to prioritize a balanced, healthy environment for them. Our home doesn’t have gaming consoles or high-powered gaming computers—and you know how I feel about kids and cell phones! As far as gaming goes, the boys just have some basic devices they use under strict time limits and with careful monitoring. While video games aren’t a big issue in my household, I’ve definitely noticed a trend among some of my kids’ friends and my friend’s kids that is hard to wrap my head around.
The Shift I’ve Seen in My Kids’ Friends
When my kids were younger, their friends would come over, and immediately everyone headed outside to play. In fact, when we bought our home in Corpus Christi, we specifically chose based on a neighborhood where we felt safe with the kids being “free” to play outside “until the street lights come on” like we did when we were kids.
Riding bikes, going to the park, exploring empty fields, and hours of playing catch ensued. One of my favorite memories was on a cold and rainy day – much like the weather we have been having lately (gross!) – but the boys headed outside with a friend donned in an inflatable dinosaur costume and homemade costumes made from cardboard boxes and traipsed all over the ‘hood in the rain! They were living their best life and didn’t think twice about being outside or about being creative because they didn’t have the option to play video games. But things have changed over the years. As we started seeing more families introduce gaming consoles into their children’s bedrooms, I started seeing a shift. Some of these same kids—once energetic and eager to play outside—now rarely leave their homes. It’s really sad to watch friendships fade because the pull of a video game is just too strong.
A little bit about my day job – working with lawyers.
A lot of you probably know that I work for a local law firm. Recently, I’ve become so much more aware of the dark side of video games. I always knew I wasn’t a fan for our family, but I never really dove in.
I wish I would have – because gosh, I wish I could have shared all of this sooner.
What’s become blatantly clear to me is that this isn’t just a parenting challenge—it’s a public health issue.
And the really scary part? Many of these games are designed to be addictive, using psychological tactics to keep kids hooked.
Even worse? In reading a previously filed lawsuit against video game makers, I learned that the defendants have known FOR NEARLY TWO DECADES that science has shown that prolonged use of video games in minors can result in brain damage, cognitive decline and physical and emotional deficits.
They KNEW.
They knew and they still marketed their games to minors without implementing basic safety features – such as adequate parent controls, warnings, or opt-in limits on the time minors can spend in the game.
YOU GUYS. <insert mind-blown emoji> And there is so much more.
That’s why our firm is pursuing litigation against some of the biggest gaming companies. These corporations knowingly employ tactics to make their games addictive, and it’s time to hold them accountable.
What is Video Game Addiction (VGA)?
Video Game Addiction, or VGA, is more than just kids spending extra time gaming. It’s when gaming begins to take over their lives, affecting their emotions, relationships, and responsibilities. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Preoccupation: Constantly thinking about gaming, even when not playing.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Irritability, restlessness, or sadness when unable to
game. - Tolerance: Needing to play longer for the same level of enjoyment.
- Loss of Interest: Neglecting hobbies, schoolwork, and relationships.
- Deceptiveness: Lying about the time spent gaming.
- Negative Consequences: Continuing to game despite declining grades,
strained relationships, or missed opportunities.
If you’re seeing the signs of VGA in your household, you are not alone, and there’s something you can do. And my firm is here to help families impacted by video game addiction, and you may qualify to join the lawsuit. Click here to learn more and see if you qualify.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning of a three-part series. In my next post, I’ll dive deeper into the science and psychology behind video game addiction, including how these companies keep our kids glued to their screens. Then, in Part 3, I’ll share practical tips for setting boundaries and fostering healthier gaming habits for your family.
Let’s start the conversation and take back control. Our kids deserve it.
Stay tuned for Part 2, and if you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or to our amazing attorneys at my firm.