How to Manage Teen’s Video Game Addiction ?
“A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault.”
— John Henry Newman
The following information is intended for parents of teenagers who may be addicted to video and/or computer games. Although we might seem to promote addiction in some of our other posts, we are concerned about teens who neglect other aspects of their lives in favour of gaming activities to the point of social withdrawal. We will never promote this kind of behaviour, and that’s why we’ve taken time to explain some of the symptoms of game addiction and give some tips on how to deal with it.
It’s not as easy as it seems to spot the symptoms of teen game addiction. It always begins off as a curiosity, and then it develops into a necessity. The problem with detecting the early stages of game addiction starts with the adolescent. Our kids have developed some excellent debating skills by the time they reach the age of 15. When we challenge their reasons for playing repetitive video games, they can respond with logic and even question our own parenting weaknesses.
We may sometimes give in and persuade ourselves that 4 hours in front of a video game isn't so bad because no parent wants to accept a mistake. After all, we spend too much time at the screen, on the internet, or sending and receiving data on our Palms, Androids and Apple phones.
Take care not to fall victim to the rational adolescent. Video games are addictive, and if the amount of time spent playing them is not closely controlled, they will absorb all that a teen used to be interested in.
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Stop your teen from playing video games as soon as you note his or her grades are dropping, homework is missing, or his or her social life is dwindling. If you wait too long to limit game time, you can face pre-adolescent temper tantrums that you aren't prepared to handle (cursing, breaking things, stealing, running away from home, etc.). The child is fascinated at this stage and will go to any length to obtain a game controller.
A change in behaviour is another sign of fixation. A gaming-obsessed child can lose patience with things and people, become irritable quickly, and respond to circumstances without thoroughly considering the consequences. If you've ever played video or computer games, you'll find that winning or progressing to a higher level requires this type of action.
Unfortunately, a teen who is fascinated with this type of violent gaming is basically being taught to behave in the way mentioned above. As a result, it's critical that you, as an adult, limit your child's access to this type of entertainment and replace it with things that slow down thought (such as art, music, theatre, etc.) and introduce them to other non-violent pleasures (swimming, dance, skating, etc.).
There are several controversies swirling about the effect of video games on today's youth, and some of them can warrant further investigation. As a parent or guardian of a child, you will support your teen's ability to "get his game on" by keeping an eye out for negative changes.
Short Summary - Games can be addicting, but obsession is a different story. The following information is intended for parents of teenagers who may be addicted to video and/or computer games. Although we can sound as though we promote obsession in some of our other posts, we are concerned about teens who shun other people [...]
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