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Nowadays, youth and video games have become almost inseparable from each other. With the number of open spaces for outdoor games decreasing around us, the youth of this generation prefer to stay indoors and play video games. While some video games are designed in such a way that they can help improve cognitive development and memory, too much of anything can be unhealthy. Gaming addiction in young children is real and very harmful. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sheetal Goyal, Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, shared a few things we need to remember to understand how gaming addiction works and how we can help children get out of it.
Also read: Understanding the dark side of online gaming: Addiction, extortion and adverse effects on mental health
Understanding addiction:
The first step is to understand and be aware of gaming addiction. We have to make children understand that when they prioritise gaming over other important activities like studies and grooming themselves, it can have negative consequences.
Also read: Is your child suffering from gaming addiction? Look for these early signs
Effects on brain development:
Gaming addiction can affect cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and impulse control. Spending too much time on video games can lead to impairment of social interactions and social cognition for young children.
Effects on mental and physical health:
Gaming addiction can lead to neglect of responsibilities, withdrawal symptoms when not playing games, and loss of interest in other activities. This can threaten overall mental and physical development.
Also read: Addiction treatment: Why one solution doesn’t fit all
Possible risk factors:
Potential risk factors include prolonged screen time, lack of parental supervision, social isolation, and underlying mental health problems that may contribute to gaming addiction.
Healthy habits to deal with gaming addiction:
Parents can prevent this type of addiction by developing healthy habits, such as encouraging balanced limits on screen time, promoting a variety of activities, and increasing open communication between parents and children about gaming habits.
Seeking professional help:
It is important to seek help when such addiction is noticed in young children. Professional help, such as counseling services or mental health clinics specializing in gaming addiction, can help.
Tracking Gaming Habits:
In the case of gaming addiction, parents are advised to step in and monitor gaming habits, set limits, and be more aware of changes in behavior that may indicate a problem.
De-stigmatizing the issue:
Encouraging open discussion is essential to reduce the stigma associated with gaming addiction, emphasising that it can affect anyone and early intervention is essential for better outcomes.
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