Study IDs video-game addiction in youths

AMES, Iowa, April 20 (UPI) -- An Iowa State University study concluded that 8.5 percent of young people can become behaviorally addicted to video games.

The study was conducted by Iowa State researcher Douglas Gentile.

It showed that among U.S. youths 8 to 18, 8.5 percent show signs of behavioral addiction to the games, The Washington Post said Monday.

"For some kids, they play in such a way that it becomes out of balance. And they're damaging other areas of their lives, and it isn't just one area, it's many areas," Gentile said.

Gentile's study involved 1,178 youths.

Youths taking part in the study were addicted to video games if they matched six of 11 symptoms offered.

The Post said 88 percent of youths surveyed reported they play video games.