What to do if a child is not just interested in games and social networks, but has become a computer “addict”, for whom life on the Internet is much more attractive than usual?
There are plenty of such cases. Especially among teenagers. Children quickly become “hooked” on the bright virtual world and some, alas, cannot stop. How can you recognize computer addiction in a child in time and tear him away from the online embrace? An expert explains.
Signs of computer addiction
My son is 13 years old, he is obsessed with computer games. He somehow did his homework and quickly went to the tablet to play. He doesn’t even want to go outside. Is this an addiction?
It’s hard to say without knowing. There are several signs of computer addiction that you should focus on.
- First, the child has difficulty distracting himself from the game. He does not want to eat, drink, go for a walk, and delays urination. There are cases when pre-teen children go “to the toilet” right in front of the monitor because they delay going to the toilet until the last minute.
- Secondly, the child’s mood changes depending on whether he plays or not. If he plays, he experiences euphoria. If not, he becomes sad, depressed or irritated.
- Thirdly, the child stops caring about his appearance. He doesn’t care how others perceive him: the real world is of little interest to him.
- Fourth, he turns any conversation to a computer topic, excitedly talks about his favorite games, and constantly inserts computer terms into his speech.
In addition, there are indirect signs of computer addiction – children begin to study worse, skip school (stay at home to play), do not want to communicate with their peers…
My 10-year-old daughter wants to create a page on a social network. I am against it: it is full of maniacs! Besides, I think that social networks are as addictive as games.
You are absolutely right – younger schoolchildren have no business being on social networks! There are safer ways to communicate – phone, Skype. When the child grows up, he can, of course, create his own page. But agree on safety rules. Set filters to cut off unnecessary visitors, ask the child to tell you what groups he joins. It is desirable that his profile be open to parents.
By the way, in Germany adults have the right and even the obligation to check children’s pages on social networks. And children are obliged to provide them with logins and passwords.
In addition, you need to make sure that the child does not spend too much time on the networks, because many children literally “live” there: they “walk” through friends’ profiles for hours, look at photos and videos, play… Especially if they lack communication in the real world or this communication does not suit them: peers tease, parents scold, teachers are unhappy. But on social networks, everything is great for them: a lot of friends, likes, beautiful photos, approving comments. Self-esteem soars, self-confidence – too. And the child goes for this doping again and again. And then symptoms of computer addiction appear – an irresistible desire to go to your page, a feeling of annoyance and anger if this is not possible, many hours of “hanging out” on social networks to the detriment of sleep, food and rest.
Coping with computer addiction on your own
Is it possible to cope with a child’s computer addiction on your own? Or do you need to urgently run to a psychologist ?
If the situation has not gone too far, then it is possible. First, talk frankly with the child: “I think that you have developed a computer addiction (give reasons why). This is not only my problem, but first and foremost yours. An addicted person is not a free person (explain the consequences).” Important! The heir should feel that you understand him, love him and are ready to help. Try to pay more attention to him.
Remember everything your child once liked – clubs, sections, travel… Cling to all his hobbies to pull him out of the virtual world!
You can establish an agreement (preferably written), specifying the time that can be spent at the computer. Ideally, an hour a day. The agreement should also include sanctions for violating the time regime (for example, if you sit longer one day, the next day there will be no games or social networks). In addition, let the child come up with timers that will help him or her distract themselves from the game. Only they should be fun, funny – so that they cause a smile, and not irritation. If these measures do not help, be sure to consult a psychologist .
