Addiction to the internet among children is a serious problem
Parents are increasingly concerned that their children are missing out on real-world experiences since they spend an average of 44.5 hours a week in front of a screen addicted to online gaming. About 23% of young people describe themselves as “addicted” to video games (31 percent of males, 13 percent of females.) Results from an investigation of 1,178 American children and teens (ages 8 to 18) done by Harris Interactive (2007) show a high frequency of pathological video game use in the United States.
The psychological consequences of internet addiction in childhood.
Online access is a need in today’s world and a valuable educational resource for our children. As a bonus, it’s a great way to learn and have fun. Because of its attractive properties, it attracts many children. They can pretend to be whomever they want in an online chat room, or they can compete against others from all over the world in fascinating and hard games. To get away from the realities of their own life, individuals can just click a mouse and visit a new universe where the difficulties they see in their own lives are no longer present.
What you can do to help your child break their internet dependency if he/she is addicted to online gaming
Take a look at the issue
Both parents must show a united face in a household where there are two adults involved. We, as parents, need to take this matter seriously and come up with a set of shared objectives. Be open to compromise on desired outcomes so that you may approach your child from the same place when necessary. Your child will gain the favour of the less trusting parent if you fail to do so, which will lead to conflict between you two.
Parents in single-parent households must take time to think about what they are saying and how they will handle the child’s reaction to it. Limiting computer or screen time might cause anxiety in a child who is already or is about to become addicted to the internet. It’s vital not to get sucked into the passion and give a lecture about rudeness, or worse. Recognize your child’s emotions, but keep the conversation on the subject of internet usage.
- Breaking a gaming addiction isn’t an easy task at all. You can face the beast head-on by following these suggestions:
- Enrolling children in a hobby or skill class is a great way to introduce them to new activities and interests.
- Assist your youngster in drawing out a timetable for the day. Decide how and when you’ll play video games.
- Specify ‘no-tech family hours’ in which all electronic gadgets are banned from use.
- Enforce limits on gaming by erecting physical barriers. Place the gaming console in the living room or in a prominent location.
Loss of enthusiasm for previously enjoyed pursuits. The first sign of a digital gaming addiction is a lack of interest in extracurricular activities, such as schooling or sports.
Isolation from others:
Video game addiction/addicted to online gaming alters the personalities of both teens and youngsters. They’ve lost interest in spending time with family and close friends and say their closest companions now are people they’ve met online. They grow more reclusive and socially awkward as a result.
Defensiveness to rage in a single step:
A child’s reaction to being addicted depends on their personality and the severity of their parents’ rules. People tend to bargain when they’re first starting out (“I promise to accomplish all my schoolwork if I can just finish this one level in just a few more minutes”). As a result, they tend to rationalise their video-gaming time (“I’m not as reckless as other youngsters” or “at least I’m not out drinking or using drugs”). Discipline is likely to elicit animosity, antagonism, insults and violence if lying, negotiating and becoming defensive don’t work any longer.
Gaming as a form of self-expression:
Adolescents, in particular, may be escaping into the virtual world of video games to avoid coping with the realities of growing up. Those whose families are dysfunctional may turn to video games as a source of comfort and a sense of control. Imposing time limits and rules will only exacerbate the situation. To improve their relationship, parents must take a step back and reflect. Stay focused on the issue of your child’s internet usage rather than their sentiments.
Begin your conversation by reassuring your youngster that you care about their happiness and well-being and that you adore them. It’s not uncommon for kids and teens to take questioning about their actions as an attempt to place blame or condemnation on them. Instead of expressing your concern about the changes you’ve noticed in your child’s conduct, explain that you’re concerned and use precise terms: exhaustion, poor grades, abandonment of past interests, social seclusion, etc.
Improve your computer literacy:
Installing filters, learning about parental monitoring software, and checking history files and internet logs all necessitate some technical know-how. Every parent should at least have a basic understanding of computer terminology and be able to use it in order to keep an eye on what their children are doing online. Become familiar with your child’s online activities and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.
Assemble a set of enforceable guidelines:
It’s common for parents to punish their children if they are addicted to online gaming by taking away their computers. Those who are afraid of their child’s addiction compel him or her to quit cold turkey, believing that is the only solution. In both cases, your child will internalize the message that they are terrible; they will look at you as an enemy rather than an ally; and they will experience true withdrawal symptoms of anxiousness, rage, and irritability as a result of these two approaches. Instead, work together with your child to set clear limits on how much time they can spend on the internet. Allow at least an hour a night after school, and a couple more hours on the weekends. Remind yourself that you’re not attempting to control your child or change who they are—you’re trying to assist them in overcoming a psychological addiction. Make the computer visible, and you’re done. It’s best if you establish a rule that your child can only use the computer for non-homework purposes in areas where he or she will be more likely to connect with you or other family members.
Also Read: How can we control our kids in this digital world?