For most teens, playing video games is just another recreational activity they enjoy with friends. The concern is when video game playing becomes an addictive or isolating activity.

Parents should be aware of these issues relating to teens and video games:

• According to a Harris Interactive poll released in January of 2008, 23% of gamers surveyed reported that they felt addicted to video games.
  
  
• Some teens are heavy users of online role-playing games (RPGs) such as World of Warcraft and multiplayer games such as Call of Duty in which they interact with other players in real time. Students will often neglect schoolwork and other aspects of their daily lives when they become immersed in these games. While it remains unclear whether this can be termed an "addiction," the American Medical Association has identified "video game overuse" as a behaviour, and may include it in a future edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
  
  
• Children who are heavy users of video games may also be getting less exercise and develop poor eating habits. Make sure that your teen is getting outside and not snacking too much on unhealthful food while gaming.
  
  
• According to the book Grand Theft Childhood by Doctors Cheryl Olson and Lawrence Kutner, children who play primarily M-rated games (whether the rating is due to violent or sexual content) are more likely to be involved in fights or bullying
  
  
• If you are concerned about the amount of time your teen is spending on video games, keep in mind that it is normal for young people to throw themselves enthusiastically into hobbies. Consider the effect your teen's gaming is having on his or her life: is he or she socializing less with friends? Are his or her grades declining? Is his or her sleep or general health being affected?
  
  
• If your teen consumes an excessive amount of violent media—movies, music, television and video games—and displays aggressive or depressive behaviour, use the tip sheet Checklist for Violent Youth to identify signs of potential violence. Make sure your teen's mental health needs are being addressed through appropriate school, medical or social service counselling.