It is not uncommon for children to enjoy gaming. When this occurs, parents should consider whether they frequently engage with their mobile phones in the presence of their children. Parents' preoccupation with mobile phones and the potential for becoming phone addicts can subtly influence their children's Internet addiction.
If a child is addicted to games, how can parents treat the symptoms and the root cause? We will now hear from a professor at Beijing Normal University.
1. Gain an understanding of the reasons behind your child's addiction to games.
What strategies can parents employ to address the symptoms and underlying causes of their children's gaming addiction? This article presents four key recommendations for parents.
It is not uncommon for parents to react negatively to their children's gaming habits, resorting to disciplinary actions such as scolding or even physical punishment. This approach, however, has been shown to be ineffective in curbing the children's interest in gaming and may even lead to increased rebelliousness. In an effort to cope with their emotions, many children turn to the internet, further exacerbating the problem.
It is important to note that if a child displays signs of addiction to gaming, the first step is to identify the underlying cause. Research indicates that the majority of children who become addicted to gaming are seeking a sense of calm and relaxation in a virtual environment, often as a result of overwhelming pressure in their daily lives.
This is also an effective method for stress relief. It is important to note that stress relief is a necessity for both children and adults. However, adults may utilize alternative methods such as sports, travel, or card games to achieve this.
What about children?
Games can relieve stress and also have a certain degree of playfulness, which is why curious and playful children are mostly hooked on games. If parents can ascertain whether their children consider gaming as a stress-relief strategy and identify the underlying causes of their stress, this can also be an effective method for helping children manage stress. It is also beneficial to discuss alternative stress-relief strategies with children to ensure they have a range of options for coping with stress.
2. Schedule time for recreational gaming.
How can the symptoms and root causes of your child's addiction to games be treated? This article presents four tips for parents.
It is recommended that parents agree with their children on a specific time for playing games and adhere to it consistently. Parents can engage in discussions with their children regarding the time that can be allocated for gaming activities.
In terms of establishing a time limit for gaming, a more optimal approach would be to set a limit of three times a week for one hour, as opposed to a daily limit of half an hour. Allowing a child to play games for half an hour daily would likely prove ineffective in modifying their gaming habit.
Furthermore, parents may utilize the time for gaming as a reward for completed homework and exemplary academic performance. This cultivates the child's capacity to effectively manage their time.
Research indicates that training in time management can effectively address children's addiction issues. This training encompasses four key components: experiencing time, counting time, developing time management plans, and enhancing time management efficiency.
The specific methods are outlined below.
The objective is to provide experience with time.
It is recommended that children experience the length of one minute, five minutes, and ten minutes, respectively, and the activities they can engage in during these periods, in order to enhance their perception of time.
Time counting
It is recommended that children be encouraged to count the time spent online in order to enhance their perception of time spent online.
It is important to learn how to write a plan.
It is recommended that the child be permitted to create a daily schedule, with specific allowances for video game time. This should be monitored to encourage the child to utilize time in accordance with the schedule.
3. Provide guidance to your child on how to use the internet correctly.
How can parents address both the symptoms and root causes of their child's addiction to games? This article presents four strategies for parents.
Parents should endeavor to accompany their children online, thereby demonstrating that the virtual realm is replete with opportunities for engagement beyond mere gaming. After completing their homework, for instance, children can engage in online chats with friends, listen to music, and view videos.
It is also worth noting that the internet offers a wealth of useful information, and children should be taught to make use of the resources available to them. Before allowing children to use the internet for the first time, parents should carefully explain to them some of the skills and methods for using a computer or mobile phone and going online.
As an example, instruct your child to create a dedicated folder on their computer or mobile device to store their documents and specify the websites they utilize for information.
If parents believe it is necessary, they can adjust the settings on the child's computer or mobile phone or install filtering or management software. It is important to explain to the child before making any changes to avoid any negative reactions when they discover what has been done.
4. Identify a new source of nourishment for the child.
What measures can be taken to address the symptoms and underlying causes of a child's addiction to games? This article presents four strategies for parents.
Children have a great deal of energy and require a fulfilling spiritual life and entertainment. However, in many families nowadays, adults are occupied with work and lack the time to take the children out to play. Many children feel that they have no activities to pursue in their spare time, which can lead to an unhealthy obsession with games. To avoid this, parents must identify alternative hobbies to engage their children. Therefore, parents should pay attention to their children's interests and create opportunities and conditions for them to develop their interests and enjoy the benefits.
For instance, if your child has an aptitude for drawing, enroll them in an art class and procure them a suitable set of drawing materials. When children have their own interests, they naturally spend less time playing games.
The objective is to encourage children to play with their peers more often and to facilitate the formation of positive relationships with suitable companions.
The school years are a time when children enjoy socializing with their peers. Parents can facilitate this by encouraging their children to spend more time with friends, thereby reducing the time spent on computer and video games while fostering social interaction.
Have you ever considered the following question?
What motivates children to engage with games?
Why is there a preference for gaming over studying?
It would be beneficial for parents to devote more attention to their children's interests.
To create opportunities and conditions
To facilitate the development of their interests.
We hope you will enjoy this experience.
Comments
I can see how concerning this situation is for you. It's important to establish a constructive dialogue with your son, showing understanding and support while setting clear expectations about his studies and limiting game time.
It sounds like it's tough on both of you. Maybe start by having an open conversation with him, not as a lecture but as someone who cares about his future. Ask him what he thinks would help him focus more on schoolwork.
This must be really frustrating for you. Have you considered talking to a counselor or a psychologist who could offer some guidance on dealing with teenage behavior and study motivation?
I understand your worry. Since he lives with his grandmother, perhaps coordinating with her could create a more consistent approach to discipline and study habits that might help guide him better.
It's understandable to feel at a loss. One thing that might help is setting up regular meetings with his teachers to stay informed about his progress and work together on strategies to keep him engaged in his education.