Copyright: John Najar, M.A.1 YourBrainOnGames.com John Najar, M.A. Dr. Anthony Palisi, Consulting Psychologist Mr. Clifford Frayne, Patent Attorney.

Copyright: John Najar, M.A. 1

YourBrainOnGames.com

John Najar, M.A.John Najar, M.A.Dr. Anthony Palisi, Consulting PsychologistDr. Anthony Palisi, Consulting Psychologist

Mr. Clifford Frayne, Patent AttorneyMr. Clifford Frayne, Patent Attorney


What we hope to accomplish.

• Raise level of awareness of computer and video game addiction and disorder.

• Set up a structure of prevention.

• Bringing together treatment and prevention professionals in recognizing the importance of gaming addiction and it’s link to ATOD addiction.


Overview• Manufactures of games use “mind

control” tactics (conditioning/classic)

• Preoccupation with activity• Need for instant gratification• An attitude of denial


Overview• Video Games• Computer Games • Hand-Held Media

Games which address fantasy as opposed to reality


Impulse Control Disorder

• A disorder characterized by a failure to resist impulses, drives,

or temptations to commit acts that are harmful to

oneself or others.


Addiction

• A state of psychological or physical dependence (or both)

on the use of drugs• Over 50% of children say they

have sometimes tried to limit their gaming.


Who is playing?A look at the demographics of

gaming.

• 85% of homes have electronic media.

• 42% of children play at least 1 hour per day.


The Multiplier Effect• The accumulative effects of in

school computer use, and the use of computers for gaming has a negative effect of the physical, social and mental capacity of the child and teen.

• Vision• Muscular Skeletal System


The Multiplier Effect Continued

• Emotional /Social Stress• Interpersonal relationships:

child/teacher • Reduction of Recess and

Physical Education


Who is Playing?

•95% or more of the homes have electronic media

•42% children play at least 1 hour per day.


Who is Playing?• 22% of children play 2 + hours per

day.

• 15% of children admit to spending too much time.

• 10% of children recognize that it interferes w/ homework.


Game Rating System• There is a voluntary regulating

system for entertainment software designed to provide information on content of computer and video games so that consumers can make informed decisions.


ESRB Rating Categories

•EC- Early Childhood (3yrs+)

•E (Everyone 6+)•E10 (Everyone10+)


ESRB Rating Categories

•T (Teen 13+)•M (Mature 17+)•AO (Adults Only 18+)









Gender Differences In Gaming

• Males are more likely to be hooked then females.

• Males look for territory and control

• Females play more by the rules and want to achieve.


The Negative Effects of Video/Computer

Games on Children /Teens

•Amount of time spent•Lost of time on home

and school activities•Sleep effects


The Negative Effects of Video/Computer Games

on Children /Teens

•Deprivation•NightmaresDifficulty falling

asleep


The Negative Effects of Video/Computer Games

on Children /Teens continued

• Learning StylesIndividualYour PenchantInfluential Variables


Negative Outcomes, cont.

• Original Multiple Intelligences» Linguistic» Logical- Mathematical» Spatial» Musical» Bodily- Kinesthetic» Interpersonal» Intrapersonal


Negative Outcomes, cont.

• Emotional Intelligence – “Ability to monitor one’s own and

other’s feelings and emotions.• To discriminate among them,• To use this information to guide one’s

thinking and action.”

– Salovey and Mayer


Five Components of Emotional Intelligence

1. Self awareness or regulation

2. Management of feelings

3. Motivation

4. Empathy

5. Social Skills


Academic EffectsPositive correlation between high gaming

activity and poor school performance.

• Attendance

• Homework

• Attention difficulties


Personality EffectsThe more violent video games a child is exposed the

greater risk of them being violent.

Electronic Aggression• Fantasy Violence

• Disrespect for females• Victimize the down-trodden

• Desensitization of Violence• Reduction in

• Emotions• Physical reactivity to a stimulus (violence/death)


Behavioral Symptoms:Impulse Control

Disorder

• Deceitful behavior• Neglecting people

• Neglecting responsibilities• Increased isolation

• Once hooked: difficult to quit


Physical Effects• Positive correlation between increased

playing time and increased weight

• Greater the playing time the more likely

the player will be classified as obese


Obesity Epidemic

• About 30% of children ages six – 11 are overweight and 15%

are obese

For teens, percentages are about the same


According to information presented to AMA in

2007

• Success in “virtual” world vs. failure in “real” world:


AMA continued• Socially• Financially• Romantically• Familial

There is evidence that people who use video games excessively are more comfortable in a virtual world.


Parents’ to do’s• Set firm schedule, create a bedtime routine.

• Use electronic devices in the home’s “public places”

• Children report increase playing when games are in bedrooms.

• Intervene professionally when necessary

• Enlist cooperation of school & other parents


Parent’s to do’s • Know game ratings• Use timers or monitors• Offer non-violent alternatives • Rent rather than buy games.


Government to do’s• Begin a dialogue among parents,

schools and legislators

• Fund research into the effects of video and computer games on school performance and behavior

• School to communicate concerns to parents in a timely manner


Professional to do’s• Include some sort of gaming screen on

assessments and intakes.

• Seek information and help from psychologists, psychiatrists and other social workers in the field.

• Research resources available for both children and parents.

»OLGANON.COM»MEDIAWISE.com


Parent Testimonies• A parent has reported the suicide of her

son due to excessive gaming. After his death, she went on to start OLGANON.COM in his memory.

• Another mother, whose son was a high achiever and talented student, observed changes in his behavior after playing fantasy role-playing game for over 60 hours a week at a time. She now views him as “lost” because she cannot speak to him about anything outside of the fantasy world.


Parent Testimonies• Mother ask son to limit his time

with computer video game usage.• Teenage son refuses and uses

weapon to shoot his mother and father.

• Mother dies and father survives.


Parent Testimonies• I went to see a Doctor of mine and

saw a gaming magazine on the table in the waiting room, when I approached the receptionist about it, she said that the magazine was her son’s, he was addicted and needed help.


Conclusion

• Research demonstrates that both the amount and content of games

MATTERS.


Wrap-up

•Question and Answers


Additional Resources

• Please visit my website

YOURBRAINONGAMES.COM


Additional Resources

Visit• Olganon.com-12 Step program for

GAMERS• www.parentvideogameguide.com


YOUTUBE Videos


Acknowledgements• Cole Devlin- My Grandson who ignited

the initial idea. If not for him this never would have come to fruition.

• Peggy Najar- My deceased wife whose motivation and support made this a reality

• Herb Van Vliet-Webmaster of ourBrainOnGames.com


Acknowledgements continued

• Prevention First, OceanTownship, NJ

• ADACO, Lakewood, NJ• Liz Woolley-Olganon.com• MediaWise.com


Acknowledgements continued

• Sue Swiggart-edits and reviews• Julia White-publicist• Brian Mullen-Web Designer


Democratize the family unit

• Family Rules and Responsibilities who is in charge of the situation (mom/dad/or both)

• Single- What decisions need to be made in the family setting?

• Grand Parent Responsibilities


Who is in Charge?Mom or Dad ?

Both?• Families Rules• Ages of Children• Appropriate Roles/Rules


Single Parent Responsibilities

• Family Rules• How many children?• Who is the decision maker?


Grand Parents• Families Rules• Ages of Children• Appropriate Roles/Rules

Copyright: John Najar, M.A.1 YourBrainOnGames.com John Najar, M.A. Dr. Anthony Palisi, Consulting Psychologist Mr. Clifford Frayne, Patent Attorney.

Documents