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Computer gaming addiction (cyber-addiction) is a psychological dependence that shows up as a pathological attraction to gaming. Video game addiction is expressed as an obsessive and irresistible desire to play online computer games for as long as possible, to the detriment of all areas of a person's life.
Most modern children are busy with developmental classes and clubs from an early age, while spending their free time playing games on a tablet or watching TV. Over time, gadgets take up more of a teenager's life, and there is a risk of developing psychological dependence on gaming (computer or gambling).
Computer gaming addiction in teenagers (cyber-addiction) is a psychological dependence that shows up as a pathological attraction to gaming. Video game addiction is expressed as an obsessive and irresistible desire to play online computer games for as long as possible, to the detriment of all areas of a person's life. Children gradually become withdrawn and unsociable, hiding from reality in an imaginary world.
Two types of games are distinguished:
The condition of a gaming addict is not a physical dependence like alcoholism, but forced breaks resemble a hangover. Computer games place an increased load on a still-developing nervous system, and when stimulating impulses stop reaching the brain, the person feels discomfort. Dependence tends to form more quickly in boys, and the younger the child, the faster they get used to gadgets.
At first, a passion for gaming looks like a hobby: a person hurries home to do their favorite activity. But gradually inappropriate behavior appears, health problems develop, sleep and appetite worsen, and the person "drops out" of real life.
Tips for parents on how to recognize gaming addiction in teenagers:
These symptoms may indicate that the child is at risk and should be given increased attention. When thinking about how to wean a teenager off gaming addiction, do not threaten or take away the computer. Scolding and punishing is not the answer; a person with an addiction needs help. Virtual reality can harm the psyche of children and teenagers, so seeing a specialist is the right decision.
Childhood and adolescence are important stages of development and personality formation. If a child becomes addicted to games, the natural course of their development is disrupted:
A person with an addiction may be unable to work, build relationships, start a family, or take care of themselves independently, because they have no need or interest in doing so.
Flickering images on the screen and sharp sounds that accompany a game affect the brain's bioelectrical potentials. If a child had hypoxia in early childhood, many hours of gaming may trigger an epileptic seizure.
Gaming addiction may be accompanied by psychosis or psycho-emotional agitation, in which children may fight with their parents and destroy things around them, posing a threat to themselves and others.
In the modern world, it is hard to imagine a person without access to the internet and gadgets. For children with a still-developing psyche, a complete ban on using them can become a real tragedy. But parents can certainly reach an agreement, for example, allowing only 30 minutes of gaming per day on condition that homework is done.
Causes of the development of gaming addiction:
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What to do |
What not to do |
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Support the teenager, listen to and hear their problems. Teach them to overcome life's difficulties and encourage communication and asking for help. Try to find shared interests. Encourage real achievements. |
Punish. Take away the computer and turn off the internet, as this will provoke protest. Scold or provoke the child to run away from home. |
So that virtual reality does not swallow up the child, it is worth visiting various clubs with them, finding one that truly interests them, and making sure they do not skip classes or manipulate.
An important condition for successful treatment of computer addiction in children is awareness of the problem and a desire to cope with it. Therefore, the first step is to motivate the person with the addiction to return to normal life and to contact a gaming addiction rehabilitation center in Kyiv.
Stages of treatment:
According to specialists' observations, gaming addiction often occurs in children who have obvious or hidden health problems. Therefore, parents should not deny specialists' diagnoses or refuse treatment. The specialists at our clinic in Kyiv work with children and teenagers who have video game addiction. Book a consultation with a psychologist today to help your loved one find a way out of a difficult situation and return to real life.
