Teenage Video Game Addiction – Parenthood
One of the big problems facing society today is teenage video game addiction . Spending huge hours in front of the video game console or the computer can be far more harmful than most people imagine.
In order to avoid this addiction, which is obviously negative for our children, it is important to recognize the symptoms of video game addiction and to take the appropriate measures.
Technology and Video Game Addiction in Adolescents
New technologies have brought benefits in all areas of life including entertainment. Video games are one of them and can even have benefits on different aspects of a child’s development.
However, when video games stop being a hobby and become addictive, this is where the problems begin.
It is necessary to identify when the hobby becomes addictive. Indeed, this is the key to being able to act on time. In this sense, it is best for parents to limit and control the number of hours their children spend in front of the video game console or computer.
Symptoms of video game addiction
Time
Time is one of the biggest indicators that something is wrong with video games. Parents should be especially careful if the time gradually increases until they spend long hours in front of the screen.
The teenager will exhibit a behavior showing that he will need more time to devote to video games each time.
Age
Although this addiction can occur at any time from the start of the activity, it is also certain that there is an age group in which the person is more likely to become dependent. In this regard, boys are more vulnerable between the ages of 12 and 20.
Isolation
Another of the most common symptoms of addiction is the adolescent’s lack of socialization and isolation. In these cases, the individual would rather spend hours in front of the computer or game console every day rather than going out for an outdoor activity, sharing with friends, or just doing something else.
Poor academic performance
Poor academic performance is also a very common symptom. When teens lose control, they start to spend a lot of time playing. Even very early in the morning.
As a result of these hours, they feel like sleeping during the hours they are at school. Thus, they fall asleep and do not perform their homework. Sleep disturbances and changes in sleep patterns also play a role in video game addiction.
Symptoms of withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms can also occur when the teen cannot play for a while. The consequences can be: lack of enthusiasm, sadness, aggressiveness, drastic changes in mood as well as a defensive attitude.
Loss of relationships
Adolescents with addiction issues also have difficulty maintaining stable friendships or personal relationships. The reasons are very simple: the reluctance to share and socialize added to the drastic changes in mood.
“When video games stop being a hobby and become addictive, that’s where the problems start”
Treatment for video game addiction in adolescents
Limit the number of hours
It is a good idea for parents to set limits and control their children’s play times. Additionally, in some cases console usage should be limited to one or two days per week. Time is of the essence to prevent children from becoming addicted. It can also serve them to help them overcome this situation.
Video game addiction: psychological help
If the parents consider that their child presents a problem of addiction, they should consult with him a psychologist who will help him and accompany him to cope with this dependence.
In extreme cases, there are rehabilitation centers . However, only a percentage between 7% and 13% present problems at such worrying levels.
Encourage other activities
Parents can stimulate and encourage their children to do other types of activities that are not related to technology. Enroll young people in a sport, a painting or music class. These are great options to help them get out of the social isolation they find themselves in.
Finally, the addiction to video games among adolescents is a reality facing modern society. To prevent this situation, parents must take responsibility for the education of their children. Indeed, there must be clear limits on digital games.
