Son is hooked on the World of Warcraft in the internet. How to get him out of it?

Question

Everyday & night he would be in the internet - World of Warcraft. It looks as if it is very challenging. I've spoken w/others that it can be addictive.

Answer 1

Get a copy go on line with him, Then follow him around like a mother telling him to wear a clean vest, not to be violent etc etc he will soon get fed up and leave the game.

Answer 2

I agree that the question should be "Do you need to get him out of it?" There are a number of potential benefits to this type of game.

It IS a very complicated game. It requires planning, organization, and cooperation. You have to learn how to coordinate with other players for everyone's benefit. From a social viewpoint, friendships develop with other players and sometimes kids feel they can be themselves better when they're not face-to-face.

Of course, you have to look at how many hours a day is he playing? And are other responsibilities slipping? If so, put a limit on the daily amount of playtime to a couple of hours. Or that chores must be done before he can play.

How about this? Get an account and play with him! I know personally of a teenage boy and his father who both played WoW. The father (a friend of mine) told me that he saw a side of his son he never knew. He was a good leader, responsible, and good at planning and coordinating other players. A stark contrast to the smart-mouthed sullen teenager he saw at home. They could talk about the game over dinner. It gave them a connection and something fun to do together.

Another friend of mine only plays occassionally, but her son is away at college and plays a lot. She gets on and teams up with him sometimes and it makes her feel connected to him from a distance. And I suspect it's more fun for her son than the typical "mom misses you why don't you ever call me" phone calls I got in college!

I'm in a long distance relationship and play a few times a week with my guy. It helps shrink the miles.

Yes, it can be addictive -- it's a lot of fun and it's challenging and it's social. And it can be a bad thing if it takes over and there's not balance with other parts of life. But it can also be a positive thing, a place where your son can be a warrior, a hero, a leader and make friends without bias. You don't know the age, race or gender of the other players (unless they tell you and you can't always assume they're telling the truth) .

Signed,

A 39-year-old female WoW player (who is a professional with a good job and her own home, not your stereotypical gamer!)

Answer 3

The question you need to ask before "How do I get him out of it?" is "Do I need to get him out of it?"

Behaviors you want to look for that may indicate a need to limit gameplay or eliminate it altogether:

Neglecting of chores, work, schoolwork, daily responsibilities in favor of plying WoW.
Abandoning friendships, or other real-life relationships in favor of virtual relationships.
Aggressive, passive-aggressive or sulky behavior at the mention of doing other things.
These may be a sign that he is in too deep and needs to step back and regain perspective on the important things.

I say these things as a person on the verge of true WoW addiction all the time. I am an adult, with a good job, and a fulfilling relationship, but sometimes I still have to take that step back and remember that the real people and things in my life are more important than the virtual escape world WoW offers.

Answer 4

Assuming he's a minor dependent, set a limit to when he can play the came. If he breaks your rule, take away the computer privileges. Nobody need to spend that much time on the Internet regardless of what they're doing. Be the parent and help teach him diverse interests. Do something together.

Answer 5

In short; don't bother. There's nothing wrong with playing an MMO rather than watching a movie or reading a book. It's mentally-stimulating, requires co-ordination and such, and is also highly sociable.

Contrary to normal belief of "Soccer moms" and the like, videogaming is not in the slightest bit unhealthy. Independent, unbiased academic studies have found teens who played computergames to be MORE sociable and approachable on average, than those who do not.

Answer 6

Suggest to him other hobbies he could do, i mean if you cut him off cold turkey from that game. It'll be really bad for him because most likely he has a serious addiction so he could suffer withdrawal symptoms. it seems rediculous but they have Clinics in many countries for that type of thing. So if you got him interested in another hobby outside or something, then he'll start playing less and less until he has no reason to play anymore.

Answer 7

once you've international of Warcraft, i'd reccomend it frequently others. once you're searching for something new, very last delusion 11, Lord of the rings on line, and evidently Xbox stay video games are all good innovations.

Answer 8

step away slowly...he may growl at you. Seriously, its normal for kids to be hooked like that. Try limiting all entertainment or just video games and publicize reading or some other beneficial activity.

Answer 9

set up a password block tools internet options then contents set ratings and password for ur internet and if he asks for ur pass word dont give it to him and create one that he wont think of and those type of games can be and are addictive

Answer 10

Try turning the computer off. Remember, you are the parent and supposed to be in charge.