Children addicted to computer games. How to avoid gambling addiction. signs of computer addiction in a child - how to know if a child is addicted to a computer

Miscellaneous

IN modern world With new technologies and achievements, people constantly deal with various information systems. The computer has become an integral part of life for each of us, some use it for information purposes, others for communication and hobbies. Undoubtedly, Personal Computer acts as an assistant, performing cognitive and communicative functions. But then, when the time spent near the computer exceeds acceptable norms, a person becomes socially isolated and is only interested in the virtual world, it makes sense to talk about computer addiction.

Among all types of computer addiction, gaming addiction is the most common. According to statistics, approximately 5% of people around the world suffer from gambling addiction and need psychological help.

Psychology of gambling addiction

The gaming process itself is a natural activity; play has been present in human life since birth. Everyone plays: football players on the field, children in kindergarten, actors on stage. But with the birth of computers, a lot has changed; a cyber game is fundamentally different from a regular game, since a person is immersed in another world that is not similar to reality.

Computer is a departure from reality into cyberspace, a change in mental state, obsessions and thoughts. A person obsessed with computer games begins to confuse the virtual world with reality; in severe cases, cyberspace becomes the main environment of existence.

In its symptoms, gambling addiction is similar to alcoholism and drug addiction. Symptoms of gaming addiction:

spending time at the computer more than 5-7 hours a day;
outbursts of aggression in response to comments from others about gambling addiction;
inability to escape from a computer game;
eating at the computer;
isolation from social contacts and society as a whole;
depersonalization;
ignoring personal hygiene;
use of psychostimulants;
communication on topics exclusively related to gaming;
identification with the main character, complete dissolution in the game;
state of euphoria during gameplay;
nesting Money into gameplay or gaming equipment.

Physiological symptoms of gambling addiction:

dry eyes;
pale skin, anemia;
back pain, spinal curvature;
headache;
exhaustion, starvation (in severe cases - dehydration);
acceleration of metabolism;
increased heart rate and pulse.

There is a large variety of computer games, which are interesting in their own way to gamers, but the most dangerous for the psyche are online games. At first, a person simply identifies himself with the hero, then there is a complete dissolution in the virtual world and an escape from reality. People live in cyberspace: they fall in love, make friends, quarrel, and the emotional coloring of relationships online is much brighter than in real life. There are several important aspects to the psychology of gambling addiction:

loss of sense of time;
constant feeling of novelty;
distorted perception of oneself;
change in consciousness;
antisocial character;
feeling of virtual power;
change in the volitional aspect.

The addicted player is so captivated by the gameplay that he loses his understanding of the passage of time and the concepts of “here and now.” Consciousness gradually ceases to distinguish the real from the virtual. There are cases where people addicted to computer games played for several days in a row, without sleep or rest.

Gamers (translated from English as “game”) can play the same game for several decades, as they are constantly updated (graphics change, new interesting stories are invented). A so-called feeling of novelty arises, when the game not only does not get boring, but is perceived every time as something unusual and interesting.

Computer gaming addiction erases personal boundaries, a person stops living his life, the virtual existence of the hero becomes dominant. Some gamers even changed the name in their passport to a gaming nickname and changed their appearance to be more like their character.

In gambling addiction there is a distortion of consciousness, real world difficult to perceive, unlike virtual reality. The cognitive sphere of a gambler suffers to a greater extent: attention is scattered, thinking is slowed down, and memory is distorted.

A person with a computer gaming addiction becomes a “social disabled person,” and his thinking takes on an autistic character. Gambling addicts stop going to work, visiting crowded places, and communicating with relatives and friends. Computer gaming addiction is often accompanied by a fear of large crowds of people and open spaces.

In the game, a person thinks that he can achieve anything, his self-esteem is high and his intellectual abilities are at their peak. In reality, everything looks different, the individual becomes powerless: basic hygiene procedures become difficult to perform.

Normal human activity is carried out with the help of volitional efforts, the motivational sphere and the main goals set. In virtual reality, on the contrary, actions occur without volitional impulse, by inertia. The player seems to be under hypnosis, his consciousness is programmed to complete the game. Often such people have a glassy look “to nowhere” during gameplay, they do not hear speech addressed to themselves, and do not notice anything around them.

Computer gaming addiction consists of 4 main stages:

slight interest;
passion;
addiction;
attachment and complete dissolution in the gameplay.

Most often, children and adolescents are addicted to computer games due to immaturity of mental functions and greater suggestibility. However, there is currently an increase in cases of gambling addiction in adults. There is a tragic case where a 30-year-old man, after spending more than 4 days in the game, died of cardiac arrest. Sharp outbreaks of gambling addiction in adults are most evident in life failures and chronic diseases.

Gambling addicts experience the following mental changes:

anxiety levels increase;
fears appear, panic attacks are possible;
aggressiveness and irritability increases;
signs of deviant behavior and sociopathy appear;
the tendency to violence and murder increases;
the likelihood of developing mental disorders increases.

Statistics and shocking data

Adolescent children, in particular boys, are most prone to gaming addiction from computer games. According to a survey conducted among American schoolchildren, 50% of girls spend more than 5 hours a day playing computer games. Boys, on the other hand, spend more than 7 hours playing every day, and their number is close to 80%.

The largest percentage of gambling addicts live in Japan and China. There is a known case where a schoolgirl played an online game for more than three days and died from dehydration. One Russian man spent almost a million rubles on an online game and filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer due to “virtual theft of funds.” One American young man became so carried away by the virtual world that a large, intractable tumor formed on his right hand, in which he was holding a mouse while pinching the carpal tunnel.

Often computer games are a catalyst for the development of congenital psychopathology. One of the terrible cases that shook the whole of Europe occurred quite recently: a schoolboy dependent on computer games shot his classmates and teacher. The boy's mental health before the game was normal, but after several months of gambling addiction, he developed symptoms of paranoia. There are known cases when avid players of the aggressive genre became maniacal killers. A resident of Louisiana killed several people over the course of a week because they seemed to him like monsters from his favorite computer game. An eight-year-old boy living in the United States killed his nanny by playing a fairly well-known crime game.

Gaming addiction to computer games can leave a heavy imprint on the human psyche. The personality becomes antisocial, aggressive, uncontrollable, and ultimately completely degrades.

Video - “Gaming Addiction”

Today, every home has a computer, and more than one, of course. We cannot imagine our life without the Internet, everyone essentially depends on the computer and the Internet, but there should be a healthy time frame for being on the Internet and at the computer. The problem also comes from parents, who themselves spend a lot of time on the Internet, posting their personal lives for everyone to see, without even thinking about their children. Unfortunately, children have no time limits., that’s why there is such a problem as computer addiction in children. Social networks, chats, online games - today all this is open to our children. And it is much more interesting for the average modern child (as sad as it is) to spend time not playing on the street with friends, but at the computer, on the Internet, plunging deeper and deeper into virtual reality.

So how do you understand when children become addicted to computer games and what are the signs of Internet addiction?

Internet and computer addiction in children, signs of addiction.

This real disease today is more dangerous than it seems and affects young people. It is clear that this is not an infection at all, but the rate of spread across the planet occurs at exactly the same speed. To understand the seriousness of the situation, remember the events around the world involving children at the computer who got so carried away that they died from exhaustion.

Experts fighting this problem say that the likelihood of becoming addicted increases among people who spend more than two hours a day on computers. To combat computer addiction in children, an integrated approach is needed.

It is very important to promptly identify the beginnings of a child’s dependence on a computer. After all, the sooner you find a problem, the easier it will be to solve it. So, the most basic points on how to identify computer addiction in a child:

Of course, first of all, this staying at the computer for too long: on social networks, playing a computer game or just wandering around the World Wide Web. As a rule, the alarm should be sounded if a child spends more than 4 hours at the computer and it does not bother him at all.
Forgetfulness and ignoring. To the point that a child may forget to eat, for example, or ignore parents’ requests for help around the house.
Nervous denial and refusal. Refusal of responsibilities, refusal of food, refusal of communication.
Sharp change in emotional state. Joy gives way to disappointment, causeless grief or guilt. Although, for a child, of course, such “depression” will not, in his opinion, be causeless. A depressed state may be associated with an unsuccessful attempt to complete the next level in a computer game. A child’s immersion in the virtual environment is so deep that even after moving away from the monitor, he will experience a feeling of disappointment.
Violation. Computer addiction in children, it leads to your child withdrawing into himself and completely avoiding communication with peers, or limiting communication as much as possible, preferring “communication” with the computer.
Passivity to the outside world while at the computer and more.
Aggression. The most important symptom that is observed in all children addicted to a computer is a sharply aggressive reaction to attempts to stop being at the computer. Of course, if you don’t purposefully irritate your child by threatening to turn off the computer in the middle of a heated battle on the monitor. It’s better to set boundaries for your child, for example temporary ones, after such and such a time the computer must be turned off and keep what you promise.

The situation of severe addiction is not little known and sad to everyone:

How does computer addiction develop physiologically?

Essentially, everything happens on the same principle as gambling addiction. In the human brain, there is a region of the brain that is responsible for pleasure. Experiments on animals have shown that stimulation of this part of the brain leads to the unfortunate animal literally dying of pleasure. Since all other needs in the brain atrophy.

Also, a person forgets about everything that happens around him, concentrating only on the game. If a person, especially a child, has a computer addiction, then he will subconsciously avoid even eating food for the sake of the pleasure of playing. This eventually leads to death from exhaustion.

A child is addicted to a computer, what should parents do?

Computer addiction in a child, what to do? What you definitely don't need to do is panic and start putting pressure on your child in an attempt to get him away from the computer. Not only in this, but in any situation, this is fundamentally wrong. Calm down and understand that the fight against children's computer addiction primarily requires emotional endurance, patience and time from you. So how can you help your child overcome computer addiction?

You'll probably be shocked, but try to play with your child. There is no need to constantly lecture your child about how the computer is a monster, it is very harmful, it dries out the brain and stuff like that. On the contrary, find out what kind of games yours has or play together, win the child over. Communicate and talk while playing - this is how you will regain lost communication with your child. After all, this is exactly what brought your child closer to the computer - the desire to be alone. Using these methods, you will slowly break loneliness and restore communication.
Very often, children “go headlong into the computer” precisely because of a lack of attention; maybe you don’t pay attention to your baby at all? Communicate more, gently ask about experiences and hobbies. Show interest in your child’s life as often as possible, make it clear that you love and care. Show that real communication, care and love are here in the real world, not in the virtual one.
Do something physical with your child, do some crafts, for example. The main thing is that the topic is interesting. Sports section, gym, swimming pool, dancing, choir. Let your child show what interests him most. Instill in your child a hobby to develop interests in the real world. Show that in the real world there are a lot of interesting activities that are much more more useful than a computer. Gradually the child will get involved and it will become more interesting than the computer.
Win the child's favor. If you see that you have finally achieved favor, on a partnership basis, agree to limit the time you spend at the computer in the name of a higher goal - health first and foremost. You shouldn’t immediately set strict restrictions; reduce the time you spend at the computer gradually.
Find the root cause of the problem. It may be that going to the computer is an escape from reality. From real problems: problems with peers, unsuccessful first love, or something else? Try to figure out what's wrong. And help the child, at a minimum, with conversation, sympathy and the transfer of experience in the situation he is faced with.
Once again, it is worth emphasizing that methods of putting pressure on a child in this case, and in education in general, more often have a completely opposite effect. Don’t yell, don’t threaten that you’ll break the monitor, throw the computer out the window, pull out the cord, etc. The child will respond to such an approach with hysteria, resentment and will withdraw even more into himself. Much more effective is the tactic of replacing the computer with more useful and interesting things.

Computer addiction in children - types and signs

In order to know how to solve the problem, you need to correctly diagnose what kind of computer addiction your child has. There are two main types of computer addiction:

Dependence on the Internet—hence the name networkolism.

How does networkism manifest itself? A person can be on a virtual network for 15 hours a day, without interruption, doing absolutely no matter what. Time may be spent on social networks, chatting, watching endless TV series, and so on. As a rule, such people are unbalanced and unkempt. If you do not want such a future for your child, the problem must be solved today.

Video game addiction - cyber addiction

How does hyperaddiction manifest itself and what types are there: this disease is divided depending on the type of game. In particular, dependence on role playing games, from non-role-playing games, while a person shows passion for achieving a goal (a set of achievements, points and other virtual “success”).

Manifests itself in the following signs:

Inability and unwillingness to tear yourself away from the computer and virtual games.
Increased unnatural mood when being at the computer.
Making playing on the computer a priority. At the same time, all other life tasks suffer. Be it studying, work, cleaning the house or something else, even personal hygiene.
A child’s communication always comes down to one topic: computer games. Also giving priority to virtual communication over real communication with friends.

Physiological ailments associated with computer addiction:

Reduced body defense against infectious diseases
Constant headaches from lack of oxygen at home
Insomnia from overexcitement after games
Reduced energy resource of the body
Pain in the spine and wrists

Remember that computer addiction in children is as serious a psychological addiction as childhood alcoholism, for example. That’s why treat your child gently, instilling trust and goodwill in yourself, rather than reacting sharply and threatening. Be prepared that you will receive an inadequate reaction to all your attempts. Be patient and calm. Better spend it.

Addiction to online games, and the Internet in general, is becoming a real epidemic, what is it - a pandemic, infecting an increasing number of so-called “home children” and turning them into zombies.

Today, on the psychological website, you, dear visitors, especially parents, will learn how to protect children from computer addiction, from online games, and in general, from Internet addiction.

Computer addiction in children from online games

Why is it formed computer addiction in children, developing into an even more dangerous addiction - from online games? ...That’s absolutely true - from a large number of repetitions and prolonged “freezing” of the child on the computer and on the Internet.

Why do children “stick around” at the computer for a long time and play games for hours, including extremely harmful online games? That's right - because their parents allow them to do it.

Why do parents allow their children to surf the Internet and play games? No, not necessarily because they are bad and unloving parents and don't care about mental development your child - as long as he doesn’t interfere...

Perhaps because the parents are too busy with their lives and everyday life; perhaps because they do not know how dangerous the influence of computers and Internet games is for the child’s psyche; perhaps because parents do not understand and do not realize how important REAL communication with parents and peers is for the development of a full-fledged child; and perhaps because parents do not know at all the inner life of their child: his experiences, his interests and dreams, his needs and desires...

One way or another, no one belittles the rights and great responsibility of parents for the proper upbringing of their children, for what kind of adult the child will grow into, what kind of person he will be.

How computer and gaming addiction develops in children

Computer and gaming addiction has not yet been studied much, but it has all the similarities with other types of human addictions - in this case, psychological addiction.

Besides that computer addiction in a child is formed as a “bad habit”, i.e. due to repeated and long repetitions, i.e. frequent and long games and meetings on the Internet, but the main thing is that gaming addiction, especially from online games, is formed from the illusory, virtual satisfaction of one’s basic, subconscious needs and desires.

Namely, the need for communication, self-disclosure, self-actualization, raising self-esteem, consolidating the I-position, self-affirmation, self-identification... etc. and so on.

Those. everything that should be satisfied in a child in real conditions, through communication and interaction with parents (primarily with parents) and with peers, begins to be illusorily satisfied in the computer, in online games And in social networks…

As a result, a disruption occurs in the child’s perception, a confusion between the real and virtual worlds. He can perceive the real world in the same way as the fictional game world, and behave in accordance with the laws of the game - for example, think that he has several lives.

The human brain is just an organ, a very complex and little-studied organ. And the human psyche, or soul, is, relatively speaking, software that processes our perception of reality, reflects reality and regulates our thinking, emotions and behavior.

In the process of development and upbringing, the child’s brain perceives various information through the senses, and the psyche processes it. And if the brain is constantly given fictitious information, then psychologically the person will perceive it as real, genuine.

The task of parents is not only to feed and dress the child, but also to correctly “program” the child’s psyche.

What to do and how to protect your child from computer and gaming addiction

To protect their child from computer and gaming addiction, parents need to:

Firstly, do not hang out on the Internet for a long time... and if you yourself are addicted to games, this is your choice, but so that the child does not see this;
Secondly, ensure control over the child’s activities, especially the amount of time spent at the computer (tablet, smartphone, game console) playing games or other entertainment, including social networks (no more than 1 hour in a row, and no more than 3 hours in a day)
Thirdly, you need to devote as much time as possible to communication and interaction with the child, especially the parent of the same sex (spending time together: normal games - street, sports, board games; watching movies, TV shows together, reading books and other printed publications, followed by discussion plot; show genuine interest and attention to the problems, needs and desires of the child (and not with parental mentoring and criticism, but with respect for the growing personality)…
Fourthly, carefully, unobtrusively find out the child’s hidden interests, his experiences, and find out, if possible, his dreams. To do this, you need to look at what games he plays at home, what games he plays with friends, find out what books he reads, what films he watches, what music he listens to - what he is generally interested in... Children's and teenage pages on social networks provide a lot of information. BUT, under no circumstances should you break into a child’s personal space, put pressure on him, and, moreover, do not hack his social networks and phone. Do everything gently and unobtrusively, and most importantly, sincerely... with love...
And fifthly, determine the psychophysiological characteristics of the child: his temperament, character, emotionality...; see if he is too withdrawn, closed, uncommunicative - try to unobtrusively find out the reason; find out about his relationships in the group (in the classroom, in the yard...) - what is his group role; pay attention to your child’s relationship with younger children, with pets, with nature; if a child is creative: draws, sculpts, designs, composes, then you will be genuinely interested in discussing his creations...
And most importantly, no lies, double standards and inconsistencies in education...

What to do if your child has already become addicted to the computer, the Internet and games

If you observe that your child has become addicted to the computer, the Internet and games, i.e. sits for hours in front of a monitor or on a smartphone, doesn’t go out much and communicates with his peers in reality, has few friends, has become secretive and unsociable, doesn’t keep secrets with you, his performance at school has worsened, gets angry if he’s taken away from the computer, doesn’t hear you when he’s in game (can’t put it down)…and other suspicious behavior and reactions…

The first thing you need to know is to under no circumstances put pressure on your child or do anything harsh: turn off the Internet, break the computer, forcefully pull him out of the game, etc.

Computer addiction in children- this is an obsessive, deliberate withdrawal into virtual reality with a loss of previous interest in other responsibilities and activities. People first started talking about computer addiction in the early 80s of the last century, but many experts still do not fully recognize this term. A person of any age or social status can become a victim of computer addiction, but children will always be the most vulnerable. Modern kids have been early age communicate with computers, and even musical toys visually resemble computers.

Causes of computer addiction in children

Computers always accompany babies, even calming them down becomes a simple matter if you turn on simple game or a cartoon and the child immediately calms down. Often the child sees mom and dad sitting at the computer, and sometimes they argue about who will occupy him. Thus, a computer for a baby becomes an object of desire, and then turns into an object that is very difficult to do without. After all, where can you find your favorite cartoons or funny pictures? Of course on the Internet. The school also switched to computerized learning a long time ago. The computer is an assistant, but it can also serve as a negative service, turning useful communication into addiction.

Baby learns new world, communicating with a computer. This world appears so understandable and predictable to him, and with a click he gets almost everything he wants. And there comes a moment when the virtual world becomes more desirable than the real one.

The causes of computer addiction are associated with sitting at the computer, passion for graphics, plots, and cartoons. The computer allows the child to fulfill all his desires, for example, aggressive individuals in the game can kill and beat people.

At the initial stage of addiction, there is a stage of mild fascination with the computer, without any particular persistent need to play. Then there is a transition to the stage of enthusiasm, when a persistent need to play and stay at the computer is recorded. The kid tries his best to take active steps in making this happen. The addiction stage is characterized by tangible personality changes. The needs of the child's personality change, and the game completely replaces the real world. The game becomes a necessity, turning into a drug. There is also a stage called attachment, when the need for play is satisfied and interest subsides.

Signs of computer addiction in children

The following signs of computer addiction are identified:

- aggressive, strong resistance when trying to distract the baby from the computer;

- emotional, pronounced uplift, as well as after contact with the computer;

- the anticipation of the upcoming game on the computer overshadows all thoughts and deeds;

- impaired attention, decline in school performance;

- computer addiction does not allow you to keep track of time, the baby stays up until late at night and is even able to play all night long;

— the baby is able to give all his money savings to buy games or pay for the Internet;

- there is a violation in the diet; without food, the baby is able to spend a lot of time at the computer;

— to keep themselves in good shape, some children drink coffee;

- there is a narrowing of the range of interests; it is difficult to talk with the baby about abstract topics that do not relate to computer topics;

- previous activities are completely devalued and cease to represent at least any significance;

- if you are prevented from sitting at the computer for a long time, irritability develops;

- when the computer is taken away, the child turns into an angry one, capable of threats and blackmail, demanding in an aggressive manner to be allowed into the computer.

Child's addiction to computer games

The following factors can be identified that can cause pathological computer addiction:

- conflicts with parents, neglect, rejection of the baby;

- lack of attention and a feeling of abandonment, helplessness in the baby;

- being under constant stress, feeling depressed and guilty;

- the home environment does not act as a place of security and provokes either running away from home or sitting at the computer;

- problems at school (poor performance, conflicts both with peers and with teachers);

— strong feelings due to conflicts and misunderstandings with peers, which are the whole of life; For a child, it is equally painful: whether he is ignored or bullied morally;

- hiding in the computer, the baby gets what he lacks in real life, and also is distracted from heavy thoughts, personifying and imagining himself with a character - strong, brave, invincible.

A particular danger due to all these listed factors are online games in which the player is part of playgroup or communities. In such games, the child creates for himself a fantastic character, of a certain race and with certain abilities. The player chooses a new identity and gives it life in a new society. For a child, in fact, this is a new life with its victories, events, and defeats. The reality is virtual, but the feelings experienced are real. Will a boy who was bullied by his classmates at school want to leave virtual reality if here he feels like a player of the highest level, is feared and respected?

Prevention and treatment of computer addiction in children

- spend as much time as possible with the baby, take an interest in his life;

- instill in children a taste for general activities, communication, and entertainment that have nothing to do with the computer;

- cultivate sports and creativity in the family;

- do not allow children to master the computer too early; it is necessary to teach the child to have fun with others different ways;

— it is best to start getting acquainted with a computer at the age of 5, but without developing a computer culture;

— agree with your child on clear rules for working at the computer. It is important to be consistent and not reduce or increase the agreed time;

— it is necessary to adhere to the principle: the baby is not allowed, so neither are the parents;

- if the father loves games and plays them often and for a long time, then it will be very difficult to wean his child from the computer. The baby will never hear the words. He sees only the actions of adults, and if passionate parents are creative people, then the child will have a better chance of becoming the same;

— it is necessary for the child to understand that computers are necessary for adults to work, so parents can sit at the computer for a long time;

- adults need not to interfere with the child’s communication with friends outside the home;

— it is important to instill in children a taste for logical, educational games and play together;

— You shouldn’t rush to buy your baby a personal computer.

Computer addiction in children - how to deal with it? There is no universal recipe in the fight against addiction. Every addiction has its own story, with many participants (friends, family, classmates). Addiction is very difficult to deal with, but it is very real.

Computer addiction in children - recommendations from a psychologist:

- firstly, the existence of a problem and the need to fight it should be recognized;

— the whole family should recognize the problem;

- you need to prepare for difficult, long, patient work;

— it is necessary to change the child’s activities, to welcome his any successes;

- pay sufficient attention to the baby;

- distinguish attention from control, as well as pressure;

- if necessary, you should seek help from a psychotherapist who will see the situation from the outside; will identify the problem that led to the addiction and begin to work with this particular cause;

— you should show a sincere interest in the baby, be interested in what he likes. Even if it’s a computer game, the child will understand that his parents are actually interested in what he lives and enjoys, which means that he himself is interesting;

- adults should establish a relaxed, trusting relationship with the child;

- You can’t throw away your child’s computer, this will make him even angrier;

- Adults should do their own computer work and agree on this in advance.

Treatment of computer addiction in children is carried out by a psychotherapist. You should contact him when Internet addiction has become a mental disorder.

Computer addiction in children 12 years of age requires limiting their screen time to 2 hours a day; children over 5 years old are limited to 30 minutes.

Treatment of computer addiction in children is a difficult and long process that requires the participation of parents, as well as the child himself. It is necessary to realize that the void created in a child’s life after giving up computer games must be filled immediately.

For most families, this is one of the difficult conditions when parents are forced to work at the computer for a long time at home. From computer addiction, the most important measure in salvation can be your own example. If mom or dad spend hours on the Internet, then the baby will fall under the same influence.

Today, modern parents often ask a fairly pressing question: how compatible are two concepts - computer games and a child.

On the one hand, many computer games are designed taking into account the age of the child and are developmental and educational in nature. For example, with the help of special programs in a playful and accessible way, a child can easily master colors and geometric shapes, as well as learn to count and even master reading skills. In addition, computer games with a developmental and educational orientation are excellent form memory, develop thinking, logic and attention, and also broaden the child’s horizons.

Despite the data positive points, computer games can provoke the baby is developing the most real dependencies. Psychologists say that the risk group most often includes children aged 11 to 13 years.

Reasons why children become addicted to computer games

In order to The child has arose persistent addiction to computer games certain circumstances and conditions are required. Children who are given special attention by their parents are primarily susceptible to this condition. minimum in the family amount of time. For example, in the practice of psychologists, there are cases when a child develops a persistent computer addiction after the birth of a brother or sister. Parents switch everything attention on a newborn baby, and the older child is trying to compensate for emotional loneliness with exciting computer games.

In the practice of psychologists, cases are also recorded when excessive control and guardianship of parents can cause baby addiction to computer games. In the virtual world, the baby feels truly independent and can make decisions alone.

The risk group, according to the observations of psychologists, may include children who find it difficult to build relationships with peers.

They most often begin to get involved in role-playing computer games, where they transform into real heroes. The child begins to “live” virtual problems and completely ignore your own life, gradually withdrawing in a fictional multi-level world.

For the child’s psyche, the greatest danger is posed by computer games such as “shooting games”, which develop aggression and a sense of intolerance. He has a stereotype that all problems that arise can only be solved with the help of violence.

It should be noted that parents will be able recognize a child's addiction from computer games according to certain characteristics.

Signs and stages of development of computer game addiction in children

Parents must alert the fact that the child spends a lot of time at the computer. He refuses to go outside to play with his peers, skips workouts, or stops paying attention to his favorite hobby.

After that, baby can't tear himself away from a game that captivates his consciousness and emotions. He begins to combine it with various types of activities: he plays while doing homework, while eating or staying up playing until midnight.

If parents do not respond to the above changes in the child’s behavior, after a while complete dependence sets in from games. The child becomes aggressive, irritable and withdrawn. In addition, for the sake of the game, he may not attend school, and his relationships with parents and peers deteriorate.

Psychologists identify the following stages of gaming addiction:

Slight passion for the game. The child likes the plot of the game, as well as its graphics.
Constant need to play. The little player begins to develop an addiction to the game, and he needs it more and more.
Psychological dependence on the game. Many children do not go through this stage and immediately enter the fourth stage.
Addiction to a computer game. The state of dependence becomes the norm for the child, and he can no longer get rid of it on his own.

If you notice the above stages in your child, then, How or to fight with this bad habit , which has quietly grown into a persistent addiction?

How to deal with gaming addiction

Parents can try to cope with this addiction on their own. The main condition is the sequence of your own actions. First of all it is necessary limit time when the child spends at the game, and also establish its clear boundaries.

According to doctors, a child aged 6-8 years should not be in front of the monitor for more than 20 minutes, 8-10 years old - up to 1 hour, and 12-14 years old - up to 2 hours.

It should be noted that Not needs to be allowed play on the computer before bed, as insomnia and other sleep disorders may occur.

To overcome gaming addiction, teach your child organize your day correctly and plan your free time. Enroll him in a section or circle. This step will help compensate for the lack of movement, will help find new friends and expand the interests of the child.

Parents must be prepared for protest on the part of the child, who will manifest himself in hysterics, aggression and even blackmail. You should not succumb to such provocations. Adults must maintain consistency of actions, persistence, and also explain to the child about the impact of excessive and regular amounts of games on his physical and mental health.

After all, computer technology is still an integral part of the modern rhythm of life. Try negotiate with the child, and not impose strict prohibitions on him. This condition must be observed especially in cases with teenagers.

It should be noted that recovery from gambling addiction will take not days, but weeks, and maybe months. Parents must be patient and purposefully move in the right ways to maintain the child’s health and social adaptation.