I’ve seen it work extremely well for teens dealing with grief and loss, and for those struggling with feeling like they can’t talk to their parents or another key figure in their life. I am really enjoying this new element to my work and am excited to share it with current and new clients.

This article posted at CNN.com covers a study looking at internet addiction in teens. They note “it’s more likely to happen if kids are depressed, hostile, or have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or social phobia,” which definitely makes sense. Video games and the internet appeal to the senses of someone with ADHD, and also provide simulation and an outlet, or a sense of connection, for teens with depression or social issues.

I am pretty concerned with the amount of kids and teens I am seeing in my Seattle counseling and therapy practice that could be considered addicted or at least extremely over-focused on video games or the internet. Although the study looked at teenagers, I also see many kids between the ages of 9-12 (ie pre-teen) who also really struggle with internet/video game addiction as well.

Many kids seem to be fine with “screen time”, computer use, and video games – but it can be a slippery slope with some kids – get a DS or PSP for a birthday and often parents think it is great for a bit – it keeps kids occupied, you know where they are, even used as a tool for motivation (ie – get a new game when you clean up your room, get A’s, etc). But frequently I’ve seen kiddos who end up only wanting and being on the DS or computer, they stop playing or finding other things to do, and if they can’t be on the game then they sit and think about being on the game..waiting until they can play. I’ve seen situations where it seems that the device becomes the only motivator, where a kiddo won’t do anything without the “reward” of game time afterwards. I’ve even seen kids who literally seem to go through withdrawal when the game/device/time is taken away – being irritable, aggressive, have trouble sleeping, even displaying physical pain, body aches, etc.

Even more challenging, as the article notes, can be the treatment. We are surrounded by the internet – kids are even required to use it for school work and projects – so it is not the type of addiction where we can just remove the “problem” (ie internet) all together and call it good. Video game devices might be a bit easier to take away all together, but often I see parents resorting back to using it as a motivator or reward…and with so many video games available on the computer…and kids needing a computer/internet for school…we have a challenge on our hands.

I think its extremely important for parents to monitor and limit game and screen time starting at a young age. Kiddos addicted to screen time may literally need to go cold-turkey and detox by not having access for a significant period of time, but ultimately they need to be taught to use the computer or game responsibly. Also, equally important is addressing underlying factors related to video and internet addiction – depression, ADHD, low self esteem, social phobias, anxiety – all make video games more appealing than the real world and must be addressed and treated for progress to be made.

I also have concerns about kids with a tendency towards video game or internet addiction as children and what might happen in the future if left untreated or to “run its course”. I think there is a concern that these kids are learning to medicate and self-regulate with a external stimulus like video games – and could this lead to drug or alcohol addiction in their adulthood in a similar attempt to self medicate. We have to help them while they are young – and usually it is only the adults in their life that can see that video games might be a problem. These kids aren’t able to regulate the video games themselves and parents have got to be aware and involved.