Post by Quantumly on Oct 15, 2023 21:54:56 GMT -5
How Can I Tell If I or Someone I Know is Addicted to Online Video Games?
When video games first came out, a child could only play a few games because each game cost actual money. When the money was spent, the game was over.
Today, a child or anybody can play online video games for as long as they want because most of the games are free. For the majority of us, video games are a fun way to spend break-time during the day and a source of some light entertainment. For others, computer games can morph into a serious addiction and this addiction has quickly become a growing problem in our society.
This gaming addiction is real and it threatens the lives of many children, teens and adults. It is no longer limited to children at the arcade and young adults now it is affects people at all levels of society. However, the biggest threat is to children because they are vulnerable and it is a lot more difficult to conquer a serious addition that formed at a young age.
People with a video game addiction will substitute games for normal interaction with friends, family and other members of society.
* The time spent playing games becomes excessive, to the point of interfering with family life, and work or school.
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* The time spent playing games steadily increases as the addiction grows and suddenly taking away the game and throwing it in the trash can make matters worse. A sudden and unwilling end to their ability to play their games can bring about withdrawal symptoms of irritability, anger and moodiness.
* Addicts spend an average of 70 or 80 hours a week playing video games and that leaves little time for quality work, a social life, school or even sleep.
The signs of an addiction in children are easy for a parent to spot.
* The biggest sign is the time spent on the computer, playing games as well as their response when it is time to put the games away.
* Video game time should be monitored just like television watching and the parent must make certain that both activities take place after the normal activities such as family socializing, homework and chores have been done for the day.
* If you get reports that your child falls asleep at school often, it may mean that they are using their sleep time to play computer games. The child may not tell the truth about the cause of tiredness.
101 Safety Tips to Help Your Children Stay Safe Online
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* The child may also be irritable if they are not playing games.
If these symptoms are spotted, it is time for the parent to talk to a professional to understand how to help the child overcome this problem.
Adults cannot be monitor like a child but a boss who notices an employee asleep at work or if their work is not what it used to be, will certainly discuss the problem with the employee or they could become unemployed.
Friends and family who notice a person dropping out of activities, becoming increasingly irritable and is always on their phone playing games, should discuss the possibility of an addiction with their friend. It is not acceptable to sit by and wait for the problem to pass.
Video game addiction can advance to physical addiction and symptoms such as Carpal tunnel syndrome. Sleep problems, back and neck aches, dry eyes and an increasing failure to maintain personal hygiene. The video game addict has replaced his or her real world with the virtual reality of the game. This person needs all the interest and help friends and family can give and sometimes a healthcare professional and support group is needed to combat this problem.
101 Safety Tips to Help Your Children Stay Safe Online
Aim to Be 1 Percent Better Everyday
