More often than not, we see children and teens literally attached to their gadgets (Well, us parents actually modeled the behaviour. Duh!). We gave them gadgets for various reasons. From learning abc, practicing their coloring and counting skills, to entertaining them when we are busy with life. Children instantly fell in love with the huge variety of games available. While girls choose make up and cooking games, boys tend to choose more aggressive ones. This games also extended to our living rooms provided we also gave them access to home gaming facilities (sometimes the fathers are the role models in these cases).  In short, it effects more boys than girls due to girls’ preferences to music videos over games and is more prominent in online games. Usually they are children with low self esteem and social problems. They can be bright students filled with imagination but lacking friends at school. Another additional factor is family addiction history.

 

So when is gaming becomes and addiction? 

Addiction is often related to certain substances such as drugs or alcohols. However there are some similarities that all addiction share.

Here are some of the signs of video games addiction that might surfaced as warning signals for parents:

• The daily need to play and also at an increasing manner
• Presence of withdrawal symptoms upon lack of gaming
• Child can become mad, aggressive, violent, or depressed.

 

But unlike drugs, the biological explanation for gaming addiction is still unclear. One of the addictive aspect especially in online games are the possibility to be someone else, a fictional character, and connect with others online. Life like this can be far more interesting that real life.

 

Is It Dangerous?

Too much video games seems harmless if compared to drugs overdose but it can also destroy a child’s life. A child who is constantly playing video games for 4-5 hours/day does not have time to socialize, do homework, study, or exercise. This can cause a delayed emotional age. Uncanny. We will have adults with children mentality.

 

Warning Signs

Spending much time playing games may not be an addiction, It is presumed that there are as many as 80% of people who can safely play video games at an extended period of time.

 

However, as parents we should acknowledge these warning signs:

• Extended period of playing and at an increasing rate
• Thinking of playing while doing other activities
• Playing video games to avoid depression or anxiety
• Lying to family members about playing video games
• Disturbed when having to quit the game
• Choosing solitude

 

Parental Guidance

Take note of:

• when and how long your child is playing video games
• problems occured
• child’s response to rules of game playing

 

 

Keep reading.

Be a support for our children.

 

 

 

Fiona Esmeralda, MD, MBA

 

For a personal medical consultation:

WA +6281377977730

line: fionaesmeralda

email: fionaesmeralda@gmail.com

 

 

 

Source:

www.webmd.com

Curr Psychiatry Rev. 2012 Nov; 8(4): 292–298. Internet Addiction: A Brief Summary of Research and Practice. Hilarie Casha,* Cosette D Raea, Ann H Steel, and Alexander Winkler