Fears grow for children addicted to online games

Experts warn of ‘enormous and growing problem’ for youngsters

Medical and addiction experts, charities and parents are becoming increasingly concerned about the amount of time children are spending playing online games as figures show that UK spending on titles such as League of Legends, World of Warcraft and Grand Theft Auto will top £3bn this year.

Dr Aric Sigman, a freelance lecturer in child health, said he had heard from a number of doctor’s surgeries that parents were asking for sleeping pills for their children. “Whether you call it an addiction or not, this is an enormous and growing problem,” he said.

The charity Action for Children says that a quarter of parents rank their children’s screen time, and how to control it, as their greatest challenge – bigger than the traditional issues of homework or healthy eating.

“We were surprised it came top. We hadn’t picked up that it was such a big issue,” says the charity’s managing director, Carol Iddon. “With gaming, children get a lot of satisfaction and positive reinforcement, it can build their confidence. But that can make it become addictive.”

Ben Jones (not his real name) a gamer known by his online persona of Onibobo, is part of the growing sub-culture of young people, particularly male, who appear to have become hooked on internet gaming. “League of Legends is my poison. I play it until pretty late,” he said.

His gaming sessions normally last about nine hours and typically run right through the night. Aged 27, he’s been a heavy usage player since he was 15, and it has taken its toll. At college he spent more time gaming than studying, and since leaving he has found it tough to hold down a job. “When I’m playing I know every hour I could be doing something else with my life, but it gives you a weird sense of fulfilment, like you’re achieving something,” he said.

Jones worries he is probably addicted – his gaming in part led to the break-up of a relationship this year – but he thinks he could stop if he really wanted to. “It’s like smoking or drinking,” he said. “It’s a very bad habit.”

Question 1 (2 points) Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

a. People in the UK will have spent three billion pounds on popular online games by the end of the year.

b. Doctors are not particularly concerned about gaming addiction.

c. Gaming reduces children's self-esteem.

d. Playing online games has seriously affected Ben Jones's personal relationships.

Question 2 (2 points) Answer the following question in your own words.

a. What do you learn about Ben Jones from the text?

Question 3 (1.5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.

a. worried (para. 1) b. matters (para. 3) c. addicted to (para. 5) d. have a negative effect on (para. 6)  e. separation(para. 7)

Question 4 (1.5 points) Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.

a. Ben Jones spent more time gaming than going to college, so he can't get a job.

If………………

b. “When I’m playing I know every hour I could be doing something else with my life,’ said Ben Jones.

Ben Jones said that........

c. Ben Jones is believed to be addicted to gaming.

It ……………………………………….

Question 5 (3 points) Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:

How big a problem is gaming in your country? What can parents do to help stop the addiction?