Is your child addicted to video games?

CHICOPEE, Mass. (Mass Appeal) - Ok parents, though it's hard to accept video games are here to stay, so what's a parent to do, and what are the signs that your teen may have a real problem with addiction?

Dr. Elaine Ducharme , a psychologist with the CT Collaborative Divorce Group, shared some helpful advice for parents.

How much time is too much time on the computer?
One hour of computer time should be followed by one hour of physical activity for kids. Teens often play far more than this.

5 Built in Hooks to keep people playing the games

• The High Score
• Beating the Game
• Role-Playing
• Discovery
• Relationships

5 Signs of Potential Addiction

1. You feel really happy when you are gaming but get angry when you have to stop.
    
2. You think about going online or gaming when you are supposed to be thinking of other things, like doing schoolwork or having dinner with your family.
    
3. You spend more time with your keyboard or controller than physically hanging our with your friends.
    
4. Your friends or parents ask what you spent time doing and you lie about it or laugh it off, but inside you may know they have a point.
    
5. You get up in the middle of the night to check your e-mail or Facebook comments because you are having a hard time sleeping.
    

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