Playstation Nation: Protect Your Child from Video Game Addiction    by Olivia Bruner & Kurt Bruner Order:  USA  Can Center Street, 2006 (2006) Softcover     Reviewed by Melissa Parcel Olivia and Kurt Bruner tell us that their research shows that over eighty percent of children have at least one video game console in their house, and over fifty percent of consoles are in the child's bedroom. The amount of time children spend playing video games is increasing exponentially, and the effects are almost overwhelmingly negative for the child - relationally, emotionally, and physically. It is up to the parent to set limits, and the Bruners present a straightforward look at the impact of video games on a child and how to go about taking steps to overcome the problems. Video games have the potential to be addictive. No one solution is right for every person, every family. But most parents and most kids, no matter how great the intention at the beginning to set up rules and time limits, fall down the slippery slope to many more hours of play time than they had anticipated. Studies show that video game addiction is very similar to substance addiction. Playstation Nation addresses these facts and more, describes relevant in-depth research, and gives real-life examples of people who have experienced these problems. This eye-opening book is a must-read for any parent with a child interested in video games. The games have been around long enough for us to now see far-reaching effects. Addicted gamers will continue to be addicted as adults. This isn't something that people grow out of. Their emotional and relational growth can be stunted. The video game is the drug, and it becomes more important than college classes, jobs, relationships, and marriage to some people. Those portrayed in Playstation Nation are real people. Their anecdotes should cause readers to stand up and take stunned notice. Playstation Nation isn't without suggestions. There are answers, especially for avoiding the most common mistakes parents make surrounding video games. Age-specific recommendations are provided, as well as lists and lists of ideas for alternate activities for your children. The suggestions are fantastic and encompass a large variety of things; there is something there for every child. This is an extremely relevant book that takes the time to outline the problem, its effects, and the solutions. Highly recommended for all parents. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews