In this figure we can see how kids spending too much playing video games can affect them. The more they played then the average increase was 18.8% for heart rate, 22.3% for systolic blood pressure, 5.8% for diastolic blood pressure, 51.9% for ventilation, 54.8% for respiratory rate, 49% for oxygen consumption, and 52.9% for energy expenditure. These results were gathered by Arlette Perry, PhD, from the exercise and sport sciences department at the University of Miami.
Apart from it affecting their health, it can also lead to psychological issues that is reflected in their life. According to U.S. News & World Report, children are more likely to become depressed, anxious, have social phobias, and perform badly at school when addicted to video games. This can affect their childhood and stunt their mental and personality growth. It will not only affect them as a child but if it is left untreated then they will continue to suffer through their adulthood.
As you can see, video game addiction has serious consequences for kids if it is not treated. Video game addiction is just as severe as any other addiction and it can be treated like any addiction as well. However, it is important to keep in mind that video game addiction among children is different because they feel like they have no control over their lives versus an adult who does have control over their and is suffering from addiction. A child is not fully grown so it needs more guidance when it comes to serious problems they face. Therefore, I think the best solution to video game addiction among children is to see a therapist. As I have mentioned before, kids turn to video games when they are unhappy with something in their life and instead of fixing it or getting help they simply turn to video games.
Some people may not think that therapy would be the best resolution to video game addiction but getting help from someone in a time of need is the best thing one could do. Many researchers that have looked into video game addiction have realized that there is more to it than just being addicted to playing video games. "What we've known from other studies is that video gaming addiction looks similar to other addictions. But what wasn't clear was what comes before what. Gaming might be a secondary problem. It might be that kids who are socially awkward, who aren't doing well in school, get depressed and then lose themselves into games. We haven't really known if gaming is important by itself, or what puts kids at risk for becoming addicted," said Douglas A. Gentile, a professor of psychology at Iowa State University. This proves that the root of video game addiction comes from personal problems and the best way to fix these problems are by talking to someone or getting some sort of help.
Also, I think therapy is the first treatment people should turn to for addiction instead of medication. People who do not look at the cons of medication think it is easier than dragging their child to therapy but that it not the case. Every drug comes with serious risk factors so why risk anything if the problem can be fixed with therapy. For example, antidepressants come with a severe side effect, “antidepressants carry a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) black box warning regarding a possible risk of increased suicidal behavior in some individuals under the age of 25.” While some people think medication is the best route to choose, it should be your last resort. It does not only have side effects but kids then become dependent on the drug to feel better and that is not healthy. They will live the rest of their life relying on a drug to feel better or if they stop taking their medication then they could fall into the addiction all over again.