Computer addiction in children: signs, causes and consequences

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The life of modern society is such that children almost from birth learn to press buttons on the keyboard and operate the mouse.
Soon we will probably see strollers for babies with built-in tablets on sale. A cell phone, computer or tablet is such a convenient thing to distract a child! The baby pesters his mother, he wants to talk or play, but his mother is busy. And to neutralize the child, she gives him... a cell phone: Here, play. In this way, it seems to her, she kills two birds with one stone: she gets half an hour of free time and the child seems to develop, become familiar with technology and learn to respond to its signals. Both of them cannot help but like this. The first seeds of addiction fell on fertile soil.

At an early age, children, with the direct participation of their parents, still form the habit of entertaining themselves with the help of computer games and graphics programs. The child is forming a stable connection - he wanted to have fun - he took the phone/iPhone/tablet/laptop. He is no longer interested in any other classic children's entertainment. Every evening two words will be heard in the house: Let me play!

Having bought a computer for their child, many parents at first cannot get enough of it: he sits at home, does not make friends with bad kids, and is always under supervision.

About 30 years ago it was scientifically proven that a child’s brain develops through his hands. Our body is designed in such a way that in infancy, signals received from the hands, especially from the fingers, stimulate brain development. By replacing finger games with driving a finger along the plane of the monitor, parents close the path to development for their children.

The earlier a child starts using a computer, the higher the chance of becoming addicted. At the same time, it is important what the child plays, what games. Psychologists say that if children under 7 years old are introduced to a computer, it will be through educational games that teach reading and counting. It is highly undesirable for young children to play aggressive games or simply wander aimlessly from page to page, or better yet, if they do not sit down at a computer or tablet at all. And if you decide to admit him to technology, then do not forget that a computer game cannot replace classic educational and educational games with real objects - cubes, pyramids, books and pencils. A child needs touch to understand this world. The computer does not provide such an opportunity.

The term “ computer gaming addiction ” appeared back in 1990. Computer addiction is a disease associated with addiction to all kinds of gambling.

For a long time, scientists have been trying to figure out: is computer addiction in children a disease or a social problem? At first, computer gaming addiction developed in adults. Then computer addiction appeared in children. This is a serious emotional dependence, and sometimes even a mature person is not able to cope with it on his own.

There are several types of computer addiction:

Gaming , in which a person voraciously plays group games online or individually. The player gives up everything: study, work, family, his whole life moves to the plane of the monitor, where serious passions boil, battles take place and new worlds are conquered.
Network addiction, in which a person cannot do without so-called Internet communication on forums or social networks. This type of addiction often affects lonely, timid people in real life with low self-esteem, who find it difficult to make acquaintances in “real life.” But online they go all out, anonymity allows them to open up and show their best qualities, to acquire a lot of chatting friends or fans of their work.
An addiction that manifests itself in the form of endless aimless wandering from site to site, the so-called surfing by analogy with a sport when an athlete overcomes wave after wave. This is perhaps the most cunning type of addiction. A person thinks that if he doesn’t play from morning to evening, doesn’t hang out with his classmates, then everything is fine with him. But in fact, he kills time by continuously absorbing information that will never be useful to him, looking through all sorts of “interesting facts” and the most beautiful places in the world.

The horror is that computer addiction spares no one, and almost anyone can become its victim, a 25-year-old girl or a 50-year-old man. This world of virtual adventures is so interesting and attractive. But the worst tragedies happen when children become victims of computer addiction.

The experts' conclusions are not reassuring. Anyone who spends more than two hours a day playing video games is at risk of becoming addicted to a computer game. How to avoid being enslaved by modern technology? Are there ways to prevent or overcome computer illness?

The danger of computer addiction

It probably seems to you, dear parents and teachers, that there is nothing worse than drug and alcohol addiction among all its other types. And by and large, you are right. However, computer addiction is no less dangerous. Computer addiction develops much faster than any other traditional addiction: smoking, drugs, alcohol, gambling. It is clear that, as such, this addiction does not pose a threat to the life and physical health of the addict himself and those around him, but is this really so?

Causes of Internet addiction

The pathological condition in childhood and adolescence is diagnosed under the influence of certain factors. The World Wide Web provides the opportunity to collect and store information. This arouses interest in it among many users. The first reason for Internet addiction is that parents give their child unlimited access to the computer. They believe that there is nothing wrong with this, and even find advantages. Parents say that the child is constantly supervised at home, which cannot but please them.

During adolescence, the formation of the psyche is observed, which is characterized by vulnerability. This is why children become addicted to the Internet. The problem of addiction among teenagers was acute during the development of information technology, as it aroused strong interest. In the modern world, teenagers study and spend their leisure time using computer technology and can involuntarily become addicted to the Internet.

Children who have certain complexes are at risk. Internet addiction is most often diagnosed in children with low communication abilities. If a child is shy and introverted, then it is difficult for him to communicate with peers in the real world. When communicating on the Internet, he becomes more relaxed because he feels protected. This leads to the development of Internet addiction.

The Impact of Internet Addiction

The pathological process should not be ignored, as it can lead to serious consequences. With Internet addiction, teenagers cannot control real time. they are constantly late and miss school. This leads to a decrease in mental and intellectual development. If a child experiences failure in games, this leads to constant aggression and weakens his psyche. The teenager transfers all the negativity into the real world, which leads to a deterioration in relationships with parents and peers. Internet addiction leads to child disappointment in real life

With pathology, negative consequences arise not only for mental, but also for physical health. Internet addiction leads to insomnia. Constant use of the keyboard and computer mouse leads to the appearance of carpal tunnel syndrome - pain in the wrist. The child complains of weakness and quickly gets tired even when performing usual duties.

With Internet addiction, patients complain of headaches. The child refuses to eat, which leads to weight loss. Since he does not consume healthy foods, this leads to a decrease in immunity. Adolescents often experience viral and bacterial diseases. With Internet addiction, patients lead a sedentary lifestyle, which causes spinal diseases. In particularly severe cases, the development of hemorrhoids is diagnosed.

Internet addiction is a severe pathological process that leads to serious complications. That is why it is recommended to treat it when the first signs appear.

Internet addiction of schoolchildren

School-age children's interest in the Internet is increasing. Primary school students are just beginning to learn how the World Wide Web works, so they are interested in spending time here. Children of middle and high school age receive assignments in class in the form of writing reports, essays, etc. The search for information in the modern world is carried out not in the library, but on the Internet. While doing homework, the child is distracted by advertising and goes to other sites that are interesting to him.

If a child is interested in a website or an Internet game, he will definitely go online the next day. The disadvantage of Internet addiction is that spending time for a child is always interesting. That is why he visits the Internet every day. The amount of time spent online is regularly increasing.

Internet addiction of youth

On the modern Internet there are many social networks that are very interesting for young people. Here they share their photos, videos, and correspond with peers. Almost every young person regularly visits the network to watch news. If the amount of time a person spends online regularly increases, this leads to Internet addiction.

When on social networks or on certain Internet sites, young people are completely isolated from the outside world. They refuse to spend time with friends in reality. Young people lose the ability to self-control. Such people become inattentive and forgetful. The pathological process is accompanied by withdrawal syndrome. If a person cannot sit down at a computer monitor, then he may cry or become withdrawn and aggressive.

Internet addiction in teenagers

During adolescence, personality formation occurs. The child tries to show himself in the best light. He uses social networks to show photos and videos from his life. Insecure teenagers with low self-esteem try to protect themselves from the real world and therefore begin to live in virtual reality.

In adolescence, with prolonged Internet addiction, the appearance of physical symptoms is noted. Patients often complain of headaches and dry eyes. The pathological process is accompanied by pain in the back. Since a teenager forgets about eating, this leads to weight loss. Addiction is accompanied by back pain and sleep disturbances.

Internet addiction in children

Children of early and middle school age are beginning to develop an interest in computer games. They cause excitement, which leads to a competitive effect. If in real life a child is not successful, but in the game he often manages to win, then this leads to the development of Internet addiction.

It is very easy to notice the pathological process in children. They spend almost all their time at the computer. The child refuses to learn his homework or does his homework hastily. With a pathological condition, most children do not perform their household duties.

A few facts

On their own, only about 20% of children can outgrow this problem.
A child can be at the computer no more than 1 hour a day. Teenager - up to 2-3 hours with breaks.
In Finland, people with a diagnosis of computer addiction are not accepted into the army.
Spending a long time in front of a monitor can cause visual impairment, posture, decreased immunity, headaches, apathy, irritability, fatigue, and insomnia. An adult feels “squeezed out and empty” after several hours of working at the computer, what can we say about a child.

Prevention of Internet addiction

To avoid the development of a pathological condition, it is recommended to carry out its prevention in a timely manner. From early childhood, parents should build a trusting relationship with their child. In a family, the principles of honesty should be the main priorities. They must teach the child to admit their mistakes by their own example. It is strictly forbidden to insult the child and his social circle.

Family relationships should be built in such a way that the child trusts his parents, regardless of the current situation. Parents should show their children their feelings. He needs to know that he is loved and cared for.

If a child shows a desire to play a game, then there is no need to prohibit him from doing so. But, parents must agree with the child about the duration of the game. The child must strictly adhere to these limits. A child's acquaintance with a computer can begin at the age of five. During this period, it is recommended that the baby exercise no more than 2 hours a day. It is recommended to start classes with 20 minutes. The child's time at the computer should gradually increase.

Parents must remember that constant communication with the child ensures the development of a harmonious emotional sphere. In order to distract your child from the computer, you need to visit cinemas, theaters, play centers, and zoos. The use of a computer is strictly prohibited. The choice of a game for a child should be made together with parents through discussion. It is necessary to ensure that the child communicates not only in the virtual world, but also in reality. Parents should set the correct example of computer use.

Internet addiction is a serious disorder that leads to isolation and asocialization of children and adolescents. The pathological process leads to a variety of physical health disorders. That is why, if there is a suspicion that a child is developing an addiction, parents should seek help from doctors. Only experienced specialists, after carrying out appropriate diagnostic measures, will prescribe effective treatment.

Signs of computer addiction in children

The child loses interest in other activities.
The child tends to spend all his free time on the computer or TV.
Communication with other children begins to be reduced only to computer games.
There is a gradual loss of contact with parents.
The child strives less and less to communicate with others, communication becomes superficial.
Answers questions formally and avoids confidential conversations.
The child begins to deceive and strives to get what he wants by any means.
The child hides how much time he actually spent on the computer or TV.
He reacts nervously to any restrictions associated with a computer, TV, tablet or phone, is very worried, gets angry, is rude, and may cry.
Loses control over screen time.
The child begins to eat near the computer.
The child starts asking for cartoons or a computer in the morning.
The child comes home from school and the first thing he does is sit in front of the TK or turn on the computer.
An incomprehensible emotional upsurge, which abruptly gives way to a bad mood. Taking a closer look, you will understand that all this is connected with virtual successes and failures in the game.
An inveterate computer geek can be recognized immediately. He is turned inward, does not notice or ignores external events, and does not adapt well to real life. Even the beauties of nature are perceived with less delight, since the possibilities of computer graphics are limitless, and marvelous, fantastically beautiful landscapes that do not exist in reality appear on the monitor screen.

Reasons for developing addiction to games

The main reason why computer addiction occurs is social in nature. Children can follow the example of their parents, especially their father, who is also interested in games. This is why it is so important to set a positive example for your child. Remember, teenagers learn not from our words, but from our actions. Computer gaming addiction usually develops in families where parents spend little time with their children. Teenagers are looking for something to replace healthy communication and find joy in games.

The formation of a negative habit is also affected by the teenager’s environment. To improve relationships with peers, he imitates classmates and friends who spend a lot of time in front of a monitor, tablet or phone. Staying up to date with new games means being one of your own. Parents who notice an emerging problem can distract the child from the computer by offering family time that is fun for everyone (hiking, board games, football, solving charades). It is easier to cope with a problem when it has just matured. Therefore, do not put off looking for a way out of the situation until later.

The desire to play is increased in children who do not know what to do. It is worth inviting the teenager to enroll in an aircraft modeling club, take a trial karate lesson, or take up modern dancing or playing the guitar. A possible option is to study computer technology. The teenager will learn how to make simple programs and what he needs to learn to create games. What’s good about the last option is that your child will do what he loves, and at the same time spend time at the computer usefully.

If the problem is complex, and the teenager has developed a persistent and painful psychological dependence, like on chemical substances, be sure to contact a rehabilitation center. Specialists will help the addict understand his problem and find the reasons for its occurrence. The patient will learn to take responsibility for desires and will be able to evaluate them. Doctors will demonstrate that Internet addiction is not the only source of happiness, peace and euphoria, and that these feelings can be achieved in alternative ways.

How harmful is a computer to your health?

Of course, parents' concerns about their children's health are understandable.

A real risk factor may be eye strain. And yet, communicating with a computer is no more harmful than sitting for a long time in front of a TV screen. Don't forget about basic prevention - take breaks from classes and do eye exercises, and visit an ophthalmologist from time to time. And pay attention to the technical characteristics of your monitor screen (consult before purchase).

Of course, it is necessary to teach the child to control his posture so that postural disorders do not occur. But this is not a specific requirement at all - you need to sit correctly at a regular table. Both a sedentary lifestyle and excess weight are not limited to computer users.

So, when working at a computer, you need to follow the usual hygiene requirements : choose comfortable furniture, monitor the physical well-being and state of the child’s nervous system, and avoid overload.

Gambling addiction test: are you a gambler?

The simplest questionnaire that determines the tendency to gambling addiction consists of two questions and is called the “False Bet Scale.” For each positive answer, 1 point is awarded. If the respondent scores at least 1 point, it means he has a gaming addiction or a tendency towards it. If the test results result in a total of 2 points, this indicates a problem and requires further in-depth research.

These are the questions:

Have you ever wanted to bet or invest large amounts of money in a game?
Have you lied to your loved ones about how much you spend on games?

Other tests for gambling addiction are also used in psychology.

But what to do if a problem does arise?

No amount of persuasion, persuasion, or threats will have any effect. Most likely, you will provoke aggression towards yourself, and the gambler himself will plunge even deeper into the fictional world, since in the real world “no one understands” it. Addiction to computer games among teenagers is dangerous because the person is in a difficult period of life. The time when he should look for his place in society, begin to build relationships with the opposite sex and peers, turns out to be missed. In the future, this will cause psychological problems of a different kind.

The manifestation of symptoms of computer addiction should alert parents and force them to contact specialists who can advise them on how to cope with computer addiction in children.

Why does the patient not want to be treated?

An excellent prevention of Internet addiction is involvement in social activities, family responsibilities, and regular time spent together. But, unfortunately, many parents manage to recognize the problem at the stage when the passion for games has developed into addiction. Well, all that remains is to sign up for treatment. During this period, loved ones often encounter aggression from a teenager who does not want to see a doctor. The second type of behavior is indifference.

For what reason does this happen, and why does a computer game addict not want to be treated? The main reason for reluctance is denial. The person does not intend to undergo rehabilitation because he does not consider himself sick. He calls his addiction an opportunity to relax, unwind, and get positive emotions. The game helps you forget about problems at school and with friends. In fact, this is how both drug addicts and alcoholics explain their behavior. To help the teenager understand the problem, you need to organize an intervention. Remember that denial is the main obstacle to recovery.

Denial is especially developed in adults. They are confident that their hobby is harmless. That it has nothing to do with drug addiction or alcoholism. A person who drinks or a drug addict who takes light psychotropic substances will make the same excuse. But, as practice shows, computer addiction is such a serious illness that it can destroy even a prosperous family.

Another reason for refusing treatment is excessive parental care. Relatives create a favorable environment for the teenager, where he is not responsible for his behavior. It is convenient for him to relax, realizing that there are people to whom responsibilities can be transferred. Parents should schedule their teenager’s day in such a way that they don’t have time to go into the virtual world.

When the environment becomes unfavorable for gaming, several outcomes are possible. The teenager will get carried away with new responsibilities and activities and push games into the background or begin to persist, further aggravating his situation. During this period, parents cannot retreat. It is unacceptable to sponsor a child who is addicted to computer games. No money for slot machines or personal expenses. You can offer your teenager an option to earn money, but at the same time control spending.

Fear is another reason why children do not want to be treated in a rehabilitation center. Find an opportunity to explain to the teenager that you understand his feelings and fears, but he must visit a doctor. Tell them that addiction is a mental illness.

So, if you want positive changes, you need to overcome three problems: denial, laziness, fear.

The last problem is peer pressure. It is very important who the child communicates with. To ensure that he has the right circle of friends, parents should take an active role in the teenager's life.

Diagnosis of computer addiction

As with most mental illnesses, it is those around them who are the first to notice changes in the patient’s character and behavior. Convincing the gambling addict himself that he is sick is very difficult. The first step in treating a patient is to become aware of his pathological dependence on the computer. It is very important to put the patient in a positive mood for a visit to a psychotherapist; sometimes some excuse can be used for this in the form of psychological testing or vocational guidance.

An important stage in the successful treatment of computer addiction is to identify the reasons that prompted a person to escape from reality.

How to get rid of computer addiction?

The main method of treating computer addiction is working with a psychologist. The specialist's responsibilities include:

Help the recovering person recognize that there is a problem. Like most addicts, gambling addicts refuse to admit they are addicted. They are happy in their virtual world and do not want to leave it. They feel like they are in complete control of the situation. Attempts by relatives and friends to influence the situation usually end in scandals and do not lead to the result: awareness of computer addiction. The best solution would be to consult a psychologist. A specialist will help the patient look at the situation from a different point of view and see what consequences an excessive passion for gadgets leads to.
Motivate to take a rehabilitation course. Treatment for computer addiction takes several months. Throughout the entire period, the person in recovery must be motivated to succeed.
Search for the reasons that led to the emergence of addiction. Computer addiction is the unwillingness (or inability) to solve a specific problem facing the recovering person. This could be low self-esteem, traumatic past experiences, or inability to interact with peers. The psychologist will identify the causes of computer addiction and help the client successfully resolve them.

In the process of getting rid of computer addiction, various psychocorrectional techniques are used: individual conversations and group classes, body-oriented and art therapy. After the first conversation with the recovering person, the specialist will decide how to get rid of computer addiction in a particular case, taking into account the patient’s personal characteristics.

Causes of computer addiction

Lack or lack of communication and warm emotional relationships in the family. When parents (or other close relatives) do not devote the child the time necessary to daily express sincere participation in the child’s life, are not interested in the state of the child’s mental world, ask little about his thoughts and feelings, about what really worries and worries the child, do not hear him . Of course, for this reason, not only addiction to computer games and entertainment can develop, but also other types of addiction, as well as various forms of behavioral deviations.
The child has no serious hobbies , interests, hobbies, or attachments not related to the computer. For example, there once was a 13-year-old teenager. He wasn’t particularly interested in anything, he didn’t like to read, he wasn’t very keen on going for walks either, he didn’t particularly strive to help around the house, and he showed little zeal for studying - so, he would watch TV and “don’t care about the ceiling.” And so, this young lazy guy gets a computer! The teenager understands that he can, while sitting at home, without bothering himself with unnecessary stress, become a cool bandit (in the game), find someone to talk to with whom it is not difficult to stop communicating at any time, get (download) an essay for which previously one would have had to go to the library . Such a rosy prospect “pins” the child to the monitor screen. Again, it is not a fact that computer addiction will necessarily arise, but... the prerequisite is significant.
The child’s inability to establish desirable contacts with others, lack of friends. Let's say a child (teenager) is too shy and cannot overcome his shyness. Either the presence of a visible physical defect, external ugliness repels peers from communicating with him, or the child has developed character traits that prevent the establishment of friendly attachments: isolation, malice, excessive greed, vindictiveness, resentment, aggressiveness.
General unluckiness of the child . This reason is similar to the previous one. For example, a child does not do well at school, does not get along with kids, and the relationship with parents does not shine. If this state of affairs does not suit the child, he may well become dependent on computer games, where he is the main character, he is at the pinnacle of success, he is the winner, the ruler, the first destroyer (or creator). On the Internet, such a child can create an image for himself that is opposite to the real one: a different name, a different appearance, a different, more “advantageous” self-presentation.
The tendency of teenagers to quickly “absorb” everything new and interesting.
The child’s desire to be “like everyone else” of his peers, to follow their hobbies, to keep up.

Treatment methods for Internet addiction in adolescents

Psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, hypnosis and pharmacotherapy are used to treat Internet addiction in adolescents. Psychoanalysis helps to identify the reasons for avoiding reality. As a result of applying the method, complexes, psychotraumas, and intra-family problems are identified.

Psychotherapy is aimed at:

to awareness and recognition of the problem;
formation of a desire to get rid of addiction;
strengthening motivation, helping in finding new hobbies.

Treatment guaranteed for 2 years.
More than 20 years of successful work.

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The effectiveness of treatment is more than 75%.

Psychotherapy sessions give teenagers with Internet addiction confidence in themselves and their abilities, develop strong-willed qualities and determination, and increase self-esteem. Through effective family sessions, the patient receives the necessary emotional support and a strong relationship with the parents.

In individual sessions, the hypnosis method is used. After putting the teenager into a trance, the doctor instills in him indifference to virtual leisure and a critical attitude towards dependence on it. If latent depression is diagnosed during the examination, additional medications are prescribed.

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Tips for preventing the development of computer addiction in children and adolescents

Since the root cause of a child leaving the real world is dissatisfaction with the existing reality, it is necessary first of all to find out what prompted the child to go “to the computer.”
It is wrong to criticize a child who spends too much time on the computer.
If you see signs of computer addiction in a child, do not aggravate the situation, take him to a psychotherapist.
You can try to understand the essence of the game by sharing the child’s interests; this will bring the child closer to his parents and increase the degree of trust in them.
It is recommended to limit children's access to violent games and films.
The child's time at the computer must be limited. It is unacceptable for children to play for several hours. Children of primary school age - no more than half an hour, senior school age - no more than an hour a day for games.
The computer should be installed in a place where you can see what your child is doing. If you periodically enter the room and check, it will look like total control, and in response to your steps, the child will soon learn to quickly “slam” the forbidden pages. And if you can find a place for your computer where you can casually, without attracting attention to yourself, see which page is open, it will be unobtrusive, but at the same time effective.
It is still better for a child not to buy a separate computer. Let him play on his father's. Then at any time you will have a good reason to say “enough” - dad needs a computer.
When depriving your child of the desired amount of time on the Internet, always offer an alternative. Don't let him suffer from boredom. It needs to be involved in some activities. This is, first of all, housework, hobby groups, and sports clubs. A very effective method is to send him to a computer class, where he will learn to work on a computer for real, and not just chase bunnies across the screen. Let him master Photoshop, let him learn how to create websites, typesetting printing - by the age of 18 he will already have a profession, and he will stop treating the computer solely as a means of entertainment.
Raise your child's self-esteem. Find your child an activity in which he will be successful and will stand out from his peers. For example, this is some rare sport, fencing, for example. Or a quilling circle. His award certificates, successful crafts, and medals must be displayed on display so that family guests can see his successes.
Encourage your child's friendships with other children. Invite his friends to visit and let him go to visit friends.
Parents will have to familiarize themselves with the games that are popular with their children. Children often think that their parents forbid them to play because they do not understand how exciting it is. In this case, the opinion of a parent who knows the game will be much more significant than the opinion of a parent who “hasn’t read it, but I condemn it.”

Is treatment for computer addiction possible? How to get rid of the symptoms of computer addiction? Of course it is possible. But this is a long and complex process, the success of which depends on many factors. How to treat the symptoms of computer addiction largely depends on the individual characteristics of the person. Treating any addiction is a difficult process that requires the participation of both the addicted person and those around him. Most likely, it will take time for someone suffering from computer gaming addiction to begin to feel the taste of life again. In this respect, computer addiction is similar to drug addiction. It is also important to remember: if the void left in a person’s life after a complete or partial cessation of gaming is not filled, the likelihood of relapse is high. Treatment of computer addiction, like treatment of any other addiction, requires further psychological support for the patient. In severe cases, computer addiction is treated by a psychiatrist.

So, in principle, any child and teenager can become addicted to a computer, but the chances are reduced if:

there is an atmosphere of friendliness, peace, comfort and trust in the family;
the child has varied interests and hobbies;
the child knows how to establish positive relationships with others;
the child knows how to set at least the smallest goals for himself.

It is important to know:

It is impossible to abruptly take away or prohibit computer games for a child who has already become involved. This should be done consistently; it is better to prepare together with a psychologist.

You can take various tests online to assess your child's and your computer addiction.

Not all games have a bad effect on the psyche; some contribute to the development of cognitive and moral qualities. Here, what games are chosen becomes crucial.

Computer addiction in teenagers, spend a lot of time on the computer?

We hope that our material from A. Barkan’s book “Children of Our Time” will help answer some questions that may arise.
Of course, for the modern digital generation, computer video games are a reality that is gradually turning into commonplace. And no matter how much the most famous scientists and researchers working on this problem today debate this issue - “to execute or to pardon”, the result will be the same: the computer games industry will grow rapidly upward in accordance with the colossal demand of those that have actually appeared on our horizon “ new people” - escapers, running away from solving their life problems into the computer world. These people from the caste of yesterday’s Pechorins are now not “superfluous” people at all, but, on the contrary, are the creation of modernity and its social product. So whether your super-obedient good boy today will become a gamer or not depends on many different reasons, and not just on your “I want” or “I don’t want”... And the main thing here is the pressure of modern standards of life for children, generally accepted among them “ norms of indicators" of their development. And of course, if a teenager is not familiar with popular video games, he will simply be an outcast among his peers. But it may be familiar in different ways. It’s one thing when he plays them infrequently, only sporadically, and another when he’s a fan of these games and is ready to devote all his time to them, and not only his free time... Everything... Well, and if not all, then a huge part at the expense of many of his other business That is, it is important how significant such games are for the child. That's the only problem. True, this problem can be recoded - today there is a motley variety in the arsenal of computer games for children. choose to your taste and not only “shooting games” and violent games. How many educational games are there...

However, our children are mainly attracted to genres of games that help them realize, at least somehow, their long-standing unfulfilled dreams, or thanks to which it will be possible to “wash away” all the scum of negative emotions that subconsciously deprived them of peace. And of course, among all genres of games, the most desirable games are those that will help a child learn to respond to aggression with aggression in order to survive in similar situations if they suddenly arise in life. After all, aggression is also a defensive reaction, at times simply an emotion of salvation, even through the destruction of others or others who threaten us or our loved ones.

But this does not mean at all that even in difficult situations you can survive only by taking the lives of others, without thinking about alternative moves. But, unfortunately, some genres of modern computer and video games have turned everything upside down so much that all sorts of situations modulated by them to “release” this not-the-best feeling stagnant in the child’s body can only be achieved through the methods of pathological aggression. And most of all, this is typical of the so-called violent computer games, spreading in our environment at the speed of a ballistic missile, thanks to the additional adrenaline rush so desired by many.

However... after all, games can be not only cruel, but also completely harmless at first glance, even very useful, for example, educational or developmental... or...

It turned out that boys are most attracted to strategy games, in which you can turn into a great commander, no worse than Napoleon, and feel the triumph of the winner. And girls prefer quest games, so-called logic games. But the most attractive for most children and teenagers are RPC games, thanks to which it is possible to fulfill all imaginable and inconceivable desires. Your possibilities with them are endless. Take it, invent what you want! Live as you please, according to your own rules and laws, without the annoying tips of the older generation - your parents and teachers! And this is the dream of every child.

In short, computer games are an opportunity for a child to construct his own world, which is desired by you at the moment, and maybe even necessary, in harmony with your thoughts... mood... However, momentary, intuitive desires are usually emotionally unstable. They are colored only by the fireworks of expectations. And if all this is carried out in the game, let it be carried out. But if suddenly they try to copy this game for life, and without sound reasoning, out of inertia, then you can overdo it. And they copy, copy those actions, those situations that without training in these games would be even unthinkable, not to mention their implementation.

And the worst thing, of course, is when your child becomes fixated on violent games, making attempts on people’s lives. And even though all this is still happening only in virtual reality, however, according to Professor A.G. Asmolov, we may eventually encounter “Veld syndrome.” Most likely, the name of this syndrome usually means nothing to the uninitiated. But if you have read the stories of the American science fiction writer Ray Bradbury, then you will immediately remember one of them about the Future, which the writer “computerized” long before today with the invasion of computers. His characters lived in a computerized house with a playroom for children, where virtual reality reigned supreme. Thanks to this reality, the effect of the presence of a child in a pride (group) of African lions that went hunting was created. The children were constantly playing “Veld”, and for some reason the parents suddenly began to be bothered by the alarming cries and voices they heard all the time from the nursery, somehow familiar to them. And when finally the nerves of the adults could not stand it and they forbade the children to play “Veld”, their beloved children lured them right there to their playroom... Into the playroom, where suddenly the virtual lions turned into real ones and, leaving the screens, rushed at their parents . Only now did it become clear to the parents whose screams worried them so much. But it was already too late. These were their cries today. Well, before there was just training in virtual reality for such reprisals against mom and dad. Training so that you can do everything “correctly” later, doing it all in reality.

However, in any case, the child’s parents should be interested in what genres of computer games their child prefers. And if he is most attracted to violent games, think about why. After all, the desire to splash out aggression appears when there are reserves of it. Where did they come from in the child, why?

At the same time, we must not forget that for young children the imitation factor is also important. And if they liked the cruel game, they will begin to implement it in reality. Even if not in reality, but mentally.

And let supporters of aggressive computer games flaunt scientific data, citing the fact that only 10-15% of gamers commit cruel antisocial acts, and for the majority of children this is just a normal pastime without any aggravated consequences arising from it, remember that without such computer games, the percentage of such children would be much lower. Trying on the roles of superheroes, like fashionable, passionately desired clothes, and precisely superheroes who destroy everyone around, your child identifies himself with a superhero, actually entering his role, turning into an artist during a performance, living someone else’s life... Albeit temporarily, albeit artificially, but... living. And during these fabulous periods of reincarnation, you can have time to “do” something for which you will then pay for your whole life, especially if this child is generally prone to aggression, possessing a “short” version of the MAOA gene, which is why his cruelty is genetically determined.

In recent years, the most significant national health organizations in the United States, conducting a number of scientific studies, have come to the conclusion that there is a direct relationship between virtual and real violence. Moreover, games make this violence attractive. Imagine, attractive! Attractive even for an adult, but what can we say about your child?

Also interesting are the results of scientific studies conducted by psychologists K. Andersen and K. Dill with college students playing computer games. Based on these experiments, scientists have suggested that any computer game with elements of violence forms a subconscious conditioned reflex of a person’s 100% aggressive reaction in conflict situations. This means that, overwhelmed by daily gaming aggression, your child can mistake anything for a conflict situation, using the only way out known to him to resolve it - physical force - with all the ensuing consequences.

In addition, the aggressiveness of people who are fond of computer games is also facilitated by the fact that they, as a rule, have underdeveloped frontal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for human emotions and behavior, not to mention memory training and learning. Japanese scientists from Tohoku University, who are also working on this problem, have already reached such conclusions.

But the worst thing that awaits humanity in the future, according to the head of this study, Professor Ryuto Kawashima, is that the passion for computer games literally from the cradle will create a lot of new, difficult problems for gamers, the main solution to which will be war.

In the light of these studies, the statements of the American military psychologist David Grossman, who believes that modern electronic games and combat training of soldiers to “overcome the innate barrier” of destroying the enemy, have similar mechanisms of influence, will also become understandable.

And only inevitable health problems among lovers and fans of cyber games sober up the slightly older generation of the family. Moreover, this is facilitated not so much by somatic disorders - from general fatigue to decreased visual acuity, but by computer addiction, and specifically from computer games. People with this addiction are called cyberaddicts. The very word “addicts” means deviation in behavior from generally accepted norms. However, parents should not allow their child to “elevate” themselves to this honorable rank of gamers.

If a teenager sits at the computer for hours, not feeling time and unable to tear himself away from the monitor, shooting, controlling or creating his own Universe for himself, designing it down to detail, like you designed your own dacha, this is a cause for concern. Your child escapes into the game from reality, from its gray everyday life, the routine of affairs, from his failure in this reality, even though he only took the first sip of his life, but... not sweet, but bitter... And this is the reason. He is now looking for the unfinished sweetness in another, his own world, where everything is so easy, where fairy tales reign, where everything is only “at the pike’s command”, but... “according to my desire”...

In general, this fantastically fabulous effect of your child’s participation in his imagined virtual reality, like a funnel, sucks him in, not allowing him to tear himself away. Moreover, is it worth breaking away from this busy life, where today you are a rider on a zealous horse, and not a “headless horseman”. So why expose your head to a hail of moralizing or criticism from dissatisfied parents and teachers, when you can become a prince, then a king, despite the fact that now you are Cinderella at home. And in which world all this will happen, it doesn’t matter if it “is” and exists, even if only for you.

Of course, each gamer has his own set of most important needs; for the sake of them, you can even forget the rest. And how can you not forget them now, if there are so many things to do in another reality. And now only he can decide which of the two Through the Looking Glass is the other, although there is nothing to even decide. In this new reality you won’t get yourself into trouble, you will solve all problems overnight without help, if there is a mistake, you will correct it without any serious consequences, humiliation and evil comments. You are your own master here, as well as your own servant. You give yourself orders and carry them out yourself. And he is responsible for himself. If you want, you do it, if you don’t want, you don’t.

So why now return to this imperfect and embittered world, where there are continuous potholes and no friends, where you always feel worthless or superfluous... To a world in which mom and dad are always unhappy with you, where the teacher does not hide his dislike. No, of course it’s better to stay in your own world. Why rush to return to another? Well, at least for an hour, well, at least for a minute... Even if it’s late, let them scold...

No, addiction to cyber games is not a drug addiction at all . Moreover, this is confirmed by the latest medical research. Completely different parts of the brain are involved here. But nevertheless, this is an addiction with all the ensuing consequences, both for you and for the life of your child. But she obviously still worries you. After all, the very fact that he has a computer indicates that the child is not completely rejected by you. Not every one of us can boast of a computer. And if your son or your daughter became gamers in a computer club and you provided them with money for this, without THINKING about the consequences, then there was also some concern in this, even if it was somewhat “virtual”. Children's addiction to games and avoidance of reality impoverishes their emotional sphere, accompanied by high neuro-emotional stress due to their inability to live. Yes, your gamer in his virtual reality is both a hero and a creator, he simply has no equal. Even the sea is knee-deep to him. But... When it is necessary to achieve something in reality, he does not know how to overcome even a small fraction of any obstacles. There are different laws and rules here.

In games it’s simple and easy, but in life it’s not like that. Life Reality craves other clichés. And the only way out is to withdraw into himself, in that artificially created world where he began to live comfortably, where he himself is only the arbiter of everything and at the same time... without any responsibility. Of course, such thoughts contribute to the child’s social isolation. After all, often his only friend is his computer. In addition to all of the above, “hovering” over the monitor screen forces your children to sit for hours without moving, in stiff postures and uncomfortable positions, leading to poor posture and even curvature of the spine, and at the same time mechanically absorbing everything edible that comes to hand. According to a number of researchers of this particular problem, children most often “come across” chips and pizza, which they are tempted to wash down with high-calorie carbonated drinks - Coca-Cola or Pepsi-Cola. So gamers, on top of everything else, are at risk of obesity.

Computer addiction in teenagers, due to overstimulation of the nervous system, leads to poor sleep, while in their sleep they play out the “unfinished game”, because they no longer have enough days to pursue their hobby. Unfortunately, all these games, promising to develop intelligence, as the instructions tell us, do not develop it at all, but slow it down, which has been proven, although outwardly it seems completely different to everyone. But I really want to believe the instructions and the creators of the games, for whom it is so important that we buy...

Well, we buy, taking pity on the boys, looking for reasons to buy games of the new generation, without thinking at all about the fact that the game program also programs the thinking of our children, as well as their behavior, “fooling” them under the guise of developing creative abilities. How can we deprive a child of such development! So we don’t deprive. And if earlier, when talking about child gamers, mostly only boys were meant, today girls are trying to keep up with them. But due to the fact that games are still more often “born” by men and “nurtured” taking into account the characteristics of male psychology, the weaker sex has caught up with the stronger. In any case, today, according to statistics, girls spend half as much of their free time on these games compared to boys. Moreover, boys are most attracted to gambling related to wrestling or competitions, and less to logical games, while among girls, logical games are more popular and less so to “fighting” games. So computer addiction develops more often in boys. However, if we forget about it, then we should also listen to supporters of video games, who present no less compelling arguments in their favor, backing them up with scientific research data.

Supporters of violent computer games were scientists from the Institute of Psychology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, who proved in their research that aggressive games help children adapt among their peers without any harmful consequences.

And the famous expert on video games, Henry Jenksins, exploring modern ideas related to this problem, generally called all the disagreements between opponents and supporters myths and tried to dispel them. And of course, the main myth among all myths is the myth associated with violence among such children. Believing that the problem is unrealistic, the scientist presented arguments proving that not only gamers are capable of violent acts. Most likely, the main thing in this problem is the child’s personality traits, as well as his family relationships. The conclusions of a number of researchers about the social self-isolation of such children are also not legitimate. According to G. Jenksins, 60% of gamers play with friends, 33% with brothers and sisters. And when the game does not involve a second player, then often someone is watching it, standing nearby and giving advice.

And the fact that gamers become indifferent to the world around them is also a myth. Well, if this is still the case, then this is only evidence that such a child has a number of psychological problems.

And finally, it is not children who are the main buyers of video games, but their Parents, who often offer their child a new video game without delving into its content, although they choose it together with the child. In a word, being a gamer is even useful. Moreover, many of these children connect their future with the computer field. And today’s “get-togethers” behind monitor screens are only jerks to responsible jumps.

In general, life is full of surprises when virtuality or virtual drug addiction reigns in it.

Prevention of computer game addiction

The formation of a child’s computer addiction is often associated with the characteristics of upbringing and family relationships. After all, we are talking about our future, too, how strong our health will be, and how cloudless and happy our old age will be. Therefore, the quality of raising children, based on personal example, mutual respect and trust, must be placed first in the value system.

That's why:

The personal example of parents is important. If you allow your child to play some time a day, then you yourself should not spend more time on the computer.
The child must have a passion, a hobby that is not related to the computer.
Support your child’s communication with peers: their games in the fresh air, common hobbies (without a computer).
Everything must be planned so that there is no free minute left. These are joint activities, street games, holidays, trips to museums, theaters, parks, travel, communication with interesting interlocutors, etc.
Use the computer as a reward, for effective parenting, as encouragement.
It is important to clearly control the games your child plays. You should know what kind of game it is and monitor any deviations in the child's behavior after he has played the game. Irritability, agitation, and insomnia may occur. All this indicates that either the playing time has been exceeded, or the game is not suitable for the child.
Give preference to educational games and websites. Discuss with your child the games that you think would be more beneficial for him to play.
Install special network filters and specialized software that allows you to control and limit your child’s communication with the computer.

No mother would allow her child to use drugs, so why are the computer and television used as a means to keep the child occupied so as not to interfere with the parents in their important matters? The child’s psyche is formed in interaction with adults; what this interaction will be like is decided by everyone in their place. But joint trips to the theaters, outdoors with a tent and a fire, as well as skiing, skating and just walking in the fresh air have not caused harm to a single person. During such leisure time, children develop respect for their parents and the meaning of words about the dangers of sitting at a computer for many hours is easier for them to understand. Classes in clubs, sports clubs based on interests, helping the old and weak, a selection of good feature films and animated films help the child see all the beauty and diversity of the living world around him and compare it with the virtual one. And the computer can be used for peaceful, educational and creative purposes. The main thing is to captivate the child!

Prevention of gambling addiction

It is necessary to eliminate factors that will provoke a relapse - make sure that the former player does not return to the old company, install a security program on your smartphone and computer. Free time should be spent in such a way that vivid emotions and endorphins compensate for what the player receives from betting - sports, picnics in the fresh air, joint creative activities, etc.

The clinic also helps patients during the post-rehabilitation period. If you suspect that a person may break down, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Test for children's Internet addiction (S.A. Kulakov, 2004)

Answers are given on a five-point scale: 1 - very rarely, 2 - sometimes, 3 - often, 4 - very often, 5 - always.

How often does your child violate the time limits you set for using the Internet?
How often does your child neglect his chores in order to spend more time online?
How often does your child prefer to spend time online instead of spending it with family?
How often does your child form new relationships with online friends?
How often do you complain about the amount of time your child spends online?
How often does your child's schooling suffer due to the amount of time your child spends online?
How often does your child check email before doing something else?
How often does your child prefer communicating online to communicating with others?
How often does your child resist or be secretive when asked about what they are doing online?
How often have you found your child getting online against your will?
How often does your child spend time in his room playing on the computer?
How often does your child receive strange calls from his new online “friends”?
How often does your child snap, scream, or act irritated when disturbed about being online?
How often does your child look more tired and tired than when you didn't have the Internet?
How often does your child seem preoccupied with thoughts of getting back online when they are offline?
How often does your child swear and get angry when you get angry about their time online?
How often does your child prefer being online to his previous favorite activities, hobbies, or interests of others?
How often does your child get angry and aggressive when you impose a limit on the time he spends online?
How often does your child prefer to spend time online instead of going out with friends?
How often do you feel depressed, low in mood, nervous when you are offline, and when you return online, all this disappears?

With a score of 50-79, parents need to consider the serious impact of the Internet on the life of your child and the entire family. With a score of 80 or higher, the child is highly likely to have Internet addiction and needs the help of a specialist.

Signs of computer gambling addiction

Before telling how the disease manifests itself, it should be mentioned that there are two types:

addiction to the World Wide Web or networkism;
gaming addiction or cyber addiction.

The first type is manifested by an irresistible desire to constantly browse different Internet sites. This leads to the fact that a person “sits” in his favorite gadget almost all day. It is very difficult to captivate him with anything else. He is not ready to be distracted by extraneous tasks. Communication with real people is replaced by correspondence on forums and online communities.

Symptoms of setegolism include:

the desire to check your mailbox several times an hour;
receiving positive emotions from the mere thought that you will soon have a phone with Internet access in your hands;
willingness to give fabulous sums of money to take advantage of additional opportunities of the virtual world.

The signs of computer gambling addiction of the second type - cyber addiction - are slightly different. Here psychotherapists specifically talk about:

desire to play role-playing games in order to feel like an important virtual character;
the desire to play non-role-playing games in order to gain points, move to higher levels, and receive bonus points.

With cyber addiction, the patient tries to play as much as possible. If you take the gadget away from him, he starts to get nervous, scream, and behave inappropriately. Because of such passion for the game, problems arise in school, at work, and in relationships with others.