But a record 39 percent of families own at least one electronic game, according to a recent survey by the University of Pennsylvania, and that number is growing fast. Many of today's parents can relate to Oertell's concerns. They may not be quite as sure how to strike a balance with game playing and unplugged pursuits. Interestingly, most parents who responded to an online inquiry for this article have sons. Neal Linkon, for example, has three, all of whom are keenly interested in electronic games.
Girls are into 'Neopets,' and that's about it.
It's like trying to explain why something tastes good. Mr. Thompson, who counsels boys at a private school outside Boston, says he doesn't worry about this pastime unless boys use the devices to tune out and avoid human contact or fresh air and exercise. Adam Linkon hasn't reached this point, but nonetheless, his father is increasingly frustrated. To illustrate the level of Adam's interest, he tells how Adam will often answer the telephone while playing a game, hang up, and instantly forget who called. Adam is in the midst of playing an Internet game with online friends.