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How to Stop Gaming Addiction
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How to stop gaming addiction?

Technology Addiction in Children and Youth

Technology addiction refers to the compulsive or obsessive use of digital devices and platforms, including gaming, video streaming, social media, social networking, and online shopping. This addiction affects children and youth when their use of technology begins to interfere with their daily lives, responsibilities, and overall well-being.
Children and youth today are spending an increasing amount of time in the digital world, a trend that has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the most common forms of technology addiction among this age group is gaming addiction, which can have significant negative impacts on their academic performance, social interactions, and emotional health.

Identifying Technology Addiction

One simple way to identify an addiction is by checking the presence of the 4 C’s

Craving

A strong desire or urge to use digital technology.

Loss of Control

Inability to limit the amount or frequency of use

Compulsion

Feeling a constant need to use digital devices.

Continued Use Despite Consequences

Persisting in using technology even when it leads to negative outcomes.

Gaming Addiction

Gaming addiction, or gaming disorder, is characterized by an overwhelming and uncontrollable urge to play video games, often at the expense of other important activities. Children and youth with gaming addiction may spend excessive amounts of time playing, which can lead to neglect of responsibilities, social relationships, and personal development.

Root Causes of Gaming Addiction and Refusal to Go to School

Several factors contribute to gaming addiction and related issues such as school refusal, skipping exams, and declining academic performance:

1. Escapism

Children may use gaming as a way to escape from real-life problems, such as stress, anxiety, or bullying.

2. Reward System

Video games are designed to be engaging and rewarding, triggering the brain’s reward system and leading to addictive behaviors.

3. Lack of Structure

Children with insufficient structure or supervision may turn to gaming as a primary activity.

4. Social Connection

Online games often provide a sense of community and social interaction that some children may lack in their offline lives.

5. Mental Health Issues

Underlying mental health conditions, such as depression or ADHD, can increase the risk of gaming addiction.

6. Parental Influence

Adolescence is a period of significant physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, which can lead to heightened emotions and mood swings.

Symptoms of Gaming Addiction

Gaming addiction can manifest through various symptoms, including:

  1. Excessive Use: Spending an inordinate amount of time on devices, often to the detriment of sleep, meals, and other activities.
  2. Preoccupation: Constantly thinking about gaming or technology use.
  3. Withdrawal: Feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed when not using technology.
  4. Tolerance: Needing to spend more time on devices to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
  5. Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring schoolwork, chores, and social obligations in favor of gaming.
  6. Decreased Performance: A noticeable drop in academic performance and participation in extracurricular activities.
  7. Social Isolation: Withdrawing from family and friends to spend more time gaming.
  8. Physical Symptoms: Experiencing health issues such as eye strain, headaches, poor posture, and sleep disturbances.

Potential Seriousness of Gaming Addiction

If left unaddressed, gaming addiction can have serious consequences, including:

  1. Academic Decline: Falling grades, skipping classes, and missed exams.
  2. Emotional Issues: Increased restlessness, irritability, agitation, and anger.
  3. Social Problems: Strained relationships with family and friends, social withdrawal, and isolation.
  4. Mental Health Concerns: Heightened risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders.
  5. Physical Health Problems: Decline in physical well-being due to a sedentary lifestyle and neglect of basic needs.
  6. Long-term Implications: Negative impacts on future career prospects and personal development.

If you are concerned about your child’s gaming addiction, we encourage you to seek professional help. Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced therapists. Together, we can identify the underlying issues and address the root causes.

At HiDolphin, we specialize in treating gaming addiction using Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI) to reduce cravings for technology. Our approach helps parents understand the root causes, symptoms, and effective interventions for gaming addiction. Our therapists work closely with parents to help children develop healthy habits and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

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