These days the online world of video games has become an inescapable one for many.
With the incredible advances in technology that have accompanied recent game development, the universes that they craft for players are more enticing and accessible than ever before; whether it be the unbelievably realistic graphics of the latest consoles, or the simple yet rewarding fun of mobile games, the virtual world is never far away from our own.
Indeed, worryingly, for some people the lines between the real world and the virtual one are becoming increasingly blurred.
But how much is too much?
Of course, video games can also deliver a range of positive outcomes. They can encourage exploration, keep brains active, or tell us interesting stories in a unique and interactive way.
Perhaps that is why it is understandable how a whole generation of our children are now glued to the screen, unable to prise themselves away from a comfortable existence among the pixels. Many modern games are so captivating that they actually seem to take us captive!
The process of game addiction can start with a sense of achievement and reward being felt by the person playing. Many young people (who game addiction primarily affects) find the often-repetitive nature of playing games alluring, as they quickly generate the feeling of success. We all like to feel successful and for young people in particular, who thrive on that feeling, it triggers a need.
We’ve all seen cases in the news of addicts collapsing after being immersed for days at a time in that virtual world, but in reality the dangers are in the detrimental effects video game addiction can have on the player’s real life.
Obesity is very common in relation to this issue, as the addicted person might prioritise gaming over his or her own physical wellbeing. Not only can physical health suffer, it can also cause social withdrawal and affect academic performance. Parents can feel powerless to prevent their child from being drawn into this seemingly ever more potent world, and they can often feel as though their parental influence and authority is being eroded.
The first step towards dealing with video game addiction is to recognise it; just like any addiction, admitting that your child has a problem is a freeing experience that will empower you to effectively combat it.
One very easy way to understand whether your child is becoming addicted is to monitor the amount of time they’re playing daily.
If your child is so engrossed to the point of obsession for many hours a day, on a regular basis, then they could be classed as addicted. If you feel as though you cannot pry them away; if they react to being separated from the game with tears or anxiety attacks, or if they become physically aggressive, you suspect they lie about the amount of time they spend playing or they are lethargic and disengaged at school, then it may be wise to seek professional help.
Another good step to combat or prevent game addiction is to become knowledgeable about the games your child plays.
MMO’s (Massively Multiplayer Online games for the uninitiated!) are perhaps the most common genre played by those who suffer from this problem, because these games are specifically designed to require a large amount of time put into playing them, with the very slow progression being a source of monthly income for the developers.
All games, however, have the potential to be addictive; many recent cases of addiction have involved online multiplayer shooter games, which allow players to compete with one another in very macho and competitive world that delivers big on those feelings boys often feel they lack in that transition phase between child and man.
As a parent, one way you can begin to moderate the time and the influence these games can have is to insist that your child takes regular breaks.
Game developers such as Nintendo actively encourage their users to use games moderately, and in tandem with more productive hobbies and activities.
So, if you feel your child is addicted, a good strategy to wean them off their game is to make them break every twenty minutes.
The best-case scenario for any parent is to reach a compromise with their child; the hobby itself can be a positive one, so if the parents can set strict limits on the time their son or daughter can play then they can both get what they want.
The child will be more appreciative of the game when they’re on the clock with it, and you’ll be appreciative of the extra time you get to spend with them.
Finally, if you are concerned that your child might be spending an unhealthy amount of time playing, the most important thing you can do is to keep lines of communication open with them.
It might be that compulsive gaming is actually an escape from other real world problems they are finding difficult to face.
Just removing the video games can prove very conflict driven, instead try to direct their interest in other directions whilst at the same time supporting them in these withdrawal distractions.
Weaning them off spending vast amounts of time on the computer on a daily basis is usually more effective it is negotiated and done an hour at a time. And never forget that your emotional support is invaluable in these cases.
About the writer
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Russell Hemmings is a renowned cognitive |
