Teenager Addicted to Online Computer Games

Updated on September 16, 2008
C.L. asks from Murrieta, CA
4 answers

My 16-year old son is addicted to the online computer game "World of Warcraft". He would rather play this for hours on end versus participate in any family activities. It has gotten to the point where I have disconnected and removed the computer from my house and locked it in the trunk of my car. But he waits until I"m asleep and sneaks the car keys out of my room to get the computer back in his room and then he locks the door so I can't get in. He says every teenager needs "privacy" and their own personal space. It has gotten to the point that he is ditching school and lying about homework, which of course means he's failing almost every class in high school. He even tried to change his grade on the top of a test from an F to an A, until the teacher caught him and emailed me. He refuses to listen and does not understand the impact this is having on his future. It is like a drug that he can't stop and will do anything to get. He doesn't help me around the house or do his assigned chores, and dirty dishes and trash pile up in his room next to the computer. When I try to discipline he laughs in my face and says "I can't make him" and "he's bigger than me". He is the middle child of three, and is a poor example for his younger 14-yr old brother. This has caused me so much stress - I'm at my wits' end! Any ideas?

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Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi C.,

World of Warcraft is really addictive - I should know, I've played it, and my husband has logged numerous hours on it.

One thing you can do rather than canceling your internet, is to put a block on when he can play through the parental controls. The website with instructions on how to do this is: http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/info/faq/parental-control-...

I'm just thinking that maybe finding a compromise rather than cancelling your internet all together would help from him outright rebelling/etc.

If it's really something that he'd do anything to play - maybe you can increase the allowed play time as he starts to do better in school/around the house.

Hope that helps..

1 mom found this helpful
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M.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

Cancel your internet and when he tries to log on, he will realize who the boss is. Also, lock your bedroom door and put your car keys somewhere he cannot get them. If you do not work at home, then you can do without your computer. I know it sucks to have to lose your internet privileges, but it's better than him playing that game all the time. Then tell your son he can have computer time again after he shows that he's brought his grades up to at least a B. If your 14 yr old needs the computer for school assignments, talk to his teachers and let them know the situation so they can provide time for him to research for schoolwork, at school. Stop buying the "special" things your 16 yr old asks for. No matter if he says you are smaller, you're still in charge. If he gets out of hand, call the police. You are not being a bad mom by doing that. He needs an authority figure to straighten him out.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'd have him see an addiction specialist. Remember, if something interferes w/your daily life than it is a problem. He can't stop on his own. He needs help. Removing the computer completely (sending it away to stay with a friend or take it to work or ?) may be needed as well.

I'm so sorry for what you are going through, I can't even imagine raising three kids/let alone three boys on my own. Hang in there. Get him the help he needs.

Best wishes,
M.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

Don't you have to pay to play that game? What if you just didn't by the play time?

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