Director, Commonwealth Policy Center

Earlier this year, the World Health Organization classified excessive gaming as a disorder.  Gaming disorder is a pattern of persistent video gaming behavior so severe that it takes an unhealthy "precedence over other life interests and daily activities." It should be obvious that spending too much time playing video games isn't healthy for any of us. But for kids, it's particularly dangerous as their minds are still developing. Their synapses in the brain are forming and too much screen time decreases attention spans and cuts into real-life personal relationship. In other words, the more time they spend in the digital world playing video games, the less time they have for healthy relationships with other humans. Parents, don't be afraid to put a limit on your kids screen time. And after their time is up, make sure you spend time with them.