Increased Fears about Video Game Addiction

November 13 brought the release of "World of Warcraft: The Wrath of the Lich King," an expansion of the hugely popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). According to the Telegraph, lines started forming 18 hours before the midnight release in London. This popularity has helped renew concerns about video game addiction.

The game's release follows on the heels of 15-year-old Brandon Crisp's death. The Toronto boy, whose funeral was held Friday, ran away from home after his parents took away his XBox to limit what they saw as obsessive gaming behavior. Several weeks later, his body was discovered in the woods, and he is believed to have died due to injuries from falling out of a tree.

These concurrent stories highlight what seems to be a growing international problem and parents' struggle over how to address it. For resources that address this issue, see February's Parent Perspective and the resources listed at the bottom of it. CMCH also offers suggestions for using video games safely.