video game addiction

[crmjtm1210]

I'm having trouble with my 17 yr old. He seems to be addicted to video games. At first I thought it was harmless, but now I 'm having 2nd thoughts. Now that it is summer, he plays for 12-16 hrs. There are times he doesn't play because of vacation or other event but for the most part he is on constantly. I made him look for a job but no one rersponded to his applications. He also plays a sport which does take up some time. He doesn't socialize(only very infrequently). Next year he is off to college. He seems immature. I don't think he can control himself in order to make responsible decisions. He wants to major in video game production. Is this a phase or will he be doing something that he loves? I need advice.

[Mike Bradley]

Dear Parent,
The key concern here is your son's infrequent socializing, which might be the real reason that the video games have taken over his life so much. Given his age, I'd consider a trip to the shrink's office where you can lay out all of your concerns with him in the room and together take a look at what's going on.
It is critical that he address this before going away to college where the social challenges will be a bit intense at first, and where he might also "hide out" from that world as well with his X box.
Please keep us posted.