Warning signs of video game addiction
Behavioral addictions are defined as the loss of control over a behavior that generates the appearance of adverse consequences and a failure to resist the impulse to perform a harmful act.
Furthermore, engaging in these behaviors leads to a decrease in anxiety or a feeling of euphoria, causing significant interference in all aspects of a person's daily life.
Compulsive internet use and alcohol consumption are increasing among young people.
As with substance addiction, young people who exhibit behavioral addictions, and specifically those related to screens, may experience an increasingly strong need to engage in the addictive behavior, showing greater frequency or duration of the behavior and withdrawal syndrome when deprived, characterized by discomfort such as sadness, irritability, and physical restlessness.
According to the ESTUDES 2018 survey on drug use in secondary education in Spain, the prevalence of compulsive internet use among students aged 14 to 18 is 20%, slightly higher among girls (23.4%) than boys (16.4%). In recent years, this prevalence had been stabilizing, but it seems likely that, with the social changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation may change.
Warning signs of video game addiction
Warning signs are all those indicators of abnormality, which can be evidenced in some of the following points. They must appear repeatedly and consistently over time:
- Disrupted sleep pattern. For example, staying online at night, going to bed late, and having great difficulty getting up the next day.
- Altered hunger pattern: eats quickly and poorly to save time and may even skip meals.
- Less attention to hygiene , having to remind him of basic hygiene guidelines that he used to do regularly, such as brushing his teeth, showering or changing his clothes.
- Neglect in important aspects of their lives motivated by increased screen time.
- Change of leisure style, change of interests or environment.
- Irritability , especially when unable to perform the addictive behavior.
- His mood fluctuates with a tendency towards sadness ; he is not very communicative, closed off in his own world, and gets annoyed when you ask him about his day-to-day life.
- Altered academic performance , absenteeism, increased reports of uncooperative or disapproving attitude, increased failures and expulsions from class.
- He begins to commit thefts , usually small amounts of money and, especially, from his closest family.
How to prevent addiction to video games or the Internet
Prevention involves promoting healthy attitudes and habits in the different areas of our children's lives, and this begins by reviewing our role as role models.
Below are some basic recommendations:
- We are role models : children learn primarily by imitation. Use information technologies responsibly, communicate with others, and let them see you enjoying other activities.
- Establish clear rules for screen time based on age. Set a schedule, choose appropriate content, and use parental controls. Involving the whole family in creating these rules will help improve self-control and shared responsibility.
- Family time: promotes screen-free leisure time. It will improve family cohesion and is a protective factor for overall health (physical, cultural, or social activity).
- Digital literacy: Keep up to date with information technologies; it will bring you closer to your sons and daughters, you will better understand the risks and potential benefits, and you will be able to better guide them in their use (data protection, responsibility and respect on social networks).
- Encourage dialogue and critical thinking ; this will help them make better decisions and share any doubts or problems that may arise.
- Early detection of any problems can help stop the downward spiral and get the situation back on track. If you notice any warning signs, seek advice at the school, your primary care center, or a specialist center.
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