Editorials
November 13, 2008 02:22 AM
Brandon Crisp has been on everyone’s mind and in their hearts during the last month.
The disappearance and death of the Barrier teenager hit home with many families.
Who hasn’t had a young person run away from home or at least threatened to?
And who doesn’t know of someone who may be addicted to video games?
Gaming is not part of the lifestyle of most baby boomers or seniors.
But it’s a powerful escape for younger generations.
Up to 90 per cent of young people in the United States play video games and as many as 15 percent of them may be addicted, the American Medical Association said last year. That’s more than five million children.
And that doesn’t include the largest segment of gamers, men aged 18 to 49, according to he Entertainment Software Association.
It took the story of Brandon Crisp to draw attention to gaming as an addiction, for many.
A pilot project treating problem gaming, gambling and Internet use at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is being launched in Toronto.
There are support groups, including On-Line Gamers Anonymous, which has numerous postings on its website from gamers seeking help. Some say a gaming addiction cost them jobs, their families and self-esteem.
Some gamers become withdrawn, playing games for several hours per session and forsaking family, friends, homework, eating and showering.
Overuse most often occurs with online role-playing games involving multiple players, the AMA says.
The addiction is as powerful as alcohol or drugs, some doctors say.
Doctors in the U.S. wanted the behavior officially classified as a psychiatric disorder, to raise awareness and enable sufferers to get insurance coverage for treatment.
The Canadian Teachers’ Federation wants more money put into large-scale studies to help other Brandon Crisps.
It’s the least we can do.
Does the gaming industry have some responsibility?
There are warning labels and enforced age restrictions when it comes to purchasing alcohol and tobacco.
How about warning signs and educational literature in gaming outlets and on their websites?
Judging by the fallout and questions from the Brandon Crisp story, parents especially need more information when it comes to dealing with problem gaming.
We owe it to Brandon, his family and friends to do more.