Video Games – When The Child Does Not Want To Break Away From Them

“My child does not want to tear himself away from the video game. ” It is the despairing cry of more and more mothers and fathers whose children spend their days glued to computers instead of living normal lives.

Quarrels between parents and children over time spent in front of the computer have become commonplace. At the same time, the number of children and adolescents who find video games a real addiction is growing .

Like all addictions, it also requires psychological treatment. However, as parents, we may notice some signs that can help us determine if our child is unable or unwilling to leave the video game. This allows us to take appropriate action before the situation gets out of hand.

Video games for kids: are they safe?

Roblox, a very fashionable video game platform for children and teens, has become the backdrop for a story that shocked the world. In one of the games, the avatar of a 7-year-old girl was raped by two other users.

The platform enables users to create games and virtual worlds. In addition, it ensures that it has restrictive filters to protect children and young people playing all over the world.

However, it was found that the creator of the game in which the rape occurred was able to circumvent the security systems.

The platform, which has 40 million online games, is the favorite of over 60 million children and teenagers who actively participate in games. While recognized as safe, it has become obvious that nothing is 100% safe for online gaming anymore.

The influence of video games on children

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children not play more than two hours a day of video games after the age of 6. In fact, playing video games, as long as it is reasonable, can benefit in several ways.

It is important, however, that the time spent on video games should not take up hours that are devoted to physical activity or rest and sleep.

However, the problem starts when the baby loses control of the impulse. In this case, it can have serious psychological consequences.

The neural patterns exhibited by video game addicts indicate an imbalance in the brain’s reward system. Which is not much different from other addictive disorders.

In addition , anesthesia processes can also be triggered in cases where there is sustained exposure to violent content of some video games. These processes affect regions of the brain related to emotional control, as well as the processes of attention and concentration.

Parental Responsibility

Children of the 21st century live everywhere surrounded by technology. This is their indisputable reality.

However, this should not be an excuse not to control the age at which our children will have access to electronic devices. We should also worry about what content they digest and how many hours they spend in front of the screen.

As we observe the world today, is it any wonder that children develop an addiction to gaming? If they use smartphones or tablets from an early age. If every day the number of hours they spend in front of the screen increases, jumping from one game to another without even knowing what games they are playing. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that children are reluctant to tear themselves away from video games.

Parents are responsible for ensuring that the enjoyment of a video game does not get out of hand and disrupt the normal lives of children and adolescents. From the moment they get their first device in their hands, we must be able to establish clear and firm rules.

These should include aspects such as how and how much time a child can use electronic devices and what type of content is allowed.

However, it is not only about rule-making and oversight, it is also about setting a good example. Let’s see if every time our child tries to tell us something or wants to play with us, he finds us preoccupied in front of the screen of a computer or a mobile phone. Rules will not work unless they are accompanied by a good example.

Warning signs

One of the following signals may appear when your child refuses to distract from the video game. This means it is time to take action before the situation gets out of hand and jeopardizes your baby’s stability.

• The child shows extraordinary concern for the game when he is away from the console or computer. It just talks about the game.
• When he’s not playing, he has mood swings, becomes discouraged, aggressive, sad or defensive.
• He spends more and more time playing the game each time.
• He loses interest in playing with other children, in his hobbies, or in socializing with friends. He is clearly isolating himself.
• When it tries to stop or shorten the time it spends playing video games, it cannot achieve it.
• It is not admitted how many hours he or she spends gambling or lies about it.
• He can not sleep, eat or clean, to spend a few more minutes in front of the screen.

• There are bad grades and a lack of interest in science. A few minutes of playing before learning turns into uninterrupted hours spent in front of the computer or phone.
• In difficult times, your child spends all his energy on video games. He neither wants to talk nor wants to argue. He uses the game to escape reality.

Video games made my child addicted: what should I do?

When a child or teenager is reluctant to leave the video games, there are some steps you need to take for your child’s sake.

However, it’s important to remember that arguing or imposing severe restrictions may not necessarily be more effective than mutual agreement. Ideally, negotiations should become a tool for establishing clear boundaries and norms. In addition, parents should be guided by love and firmness.

• Remove the console or computer from the child’s room. The playing area must be in a shared area that can be monitored.
• Video game time is allowed only after completing the homework and completing the chores around the house.
• Agree with your child how many hours a day they can spend playing video games. You can start with a slightly looser time frame that will gradually decrease.
• Let your child know they have 15 minutes left to play, then 10, and finally only 5 minutes so they aren’t surprised at the end of the agreed time. This will allow him to complete the arrangements more easily.
• Teach him how to save games. For a child who has made a great effort to progress from one level to the next, it can be difficult to leave the game.
• Strongly limit the use of games that are not adapted to the age of the child or with a high content of violence.

• Encourage them to take other activities to replace the time they spend playing a video game. You can encourage him to engage in sports or artistic or social activities that allow him to interact with children or teenagers his age.
• Introduce interesting family activities. Spend time with your children in a variety of activities. It can be some kind of fun, a video game or a board game, or going out together to play in the park.
• Agree with your child what sanctions apply if he or she fails to comply with any of the terms of the contract. This could be one hour of video game reduction, or one day without playing. Be firm and persevere when you need to apply a sanction.

Final reflection

A child or teenager who cannot tear himself away from video games is at risk of serious consequences. They can affect physical, emotional and mental health. As parents, we must help them overcome this problem. Make no mistake: its safety depends on proper parental supervision.