9 Tips To Prevent Addiction To Video Games

Nowadays, children and teenagers have constant access to video games, and this availability worries many parents. Here you can find some tips to prevent video game addiction.

Today, it is very common to see children play video games regularly even before they reach adolescence. Therefore, it is important to prevent a video game addiction from establishing itself prematurely.

A few years ago, children used to play on the street and in the park with their friends. On the playground, they played balls or played other games to have fun. Now they live in a time where video games, mobile phones, tablets, PlayStation, Xbox and computer games are the norm.

Nowadays, children and teenagers can not wait to finish school for the day so they can come home and play video games. This is becoming an increasingly worrying problem for parents. Want to know how to prevent your kids from developing a video game addiction? In this article we give some tips.

Why are video games addictive?

Having them within reach so often and for so long only makes them even more addictive than they were in the first place. In addition, game designers and programmers are investing more and more time, money and effort in making them increasingly attractive. They build better and more realistic interfaces with more options to choose from in the games.

In neuroscience tests, experts have shown that electronic devices generate an increased production of dopamine and cortisol, both of which are related to happiness. This is one of the reasons why a teenager’s brain is attracted to these games, and they can create an addiction relatively quickly.

Prevent video game addiction: Children play video games

Tips to prevent addiction to video games

There are other entertaining activities besides video games

Children and teenagers are often convinced that playing video games is among the only things they can choose to do in their free time, but that is not true at all. Parents must therefore promote a home environment where there are a variety of family activities at hand. This can reduce children’s interest in video games.

Check the playing time

Experts say children should not play for more than an hour to avoid eye strain and stress. You should set limits on when they can play: for example, only on a certain day of the week, only a couple of hours on the weekend, etc.

More support and love, and less technology

All people need love, security and protection, but children and young people need it more than others. So instead of letting them use game consoles, why not share your time with them instead? Precious and present time with parents can never be replaced with a video game.

Keep track of which games your children play

If you sometimes let them play, make sure you know what type of game they are playing and what the age limits are.

Suggest options to prevent video game addiction

Why not promote some creative hobbies like painting or drawing? You can even do it together. Take advantage of activities like these to spend quality time together. Outdoor activities are also a good option – something fun and entertaining… as long as it is not video games.

Prevent video game addiction: Family playing board games

Promote reading to prevent video game addiction

Reading is very important at all ages. It increases children’s understanding and helps them acquire a larger vocabulary. This will have a positive effect on their school work.

Minimize screen time

When children have a smartphone, tablet, computer and video console, it becomes very difficult for them not to use them for several hours a day. For that reason, it is important that you minimize the screen time they have and how much they are allowed to use their devices, both at home and when they are out.

Find a balance

It is normal to worry that your children may become addicted to video games. But if your child goes to school, does his homework, plays sports, goes to after-school activities and does not just play video games, you do not need to create unnecessary conflicts at home.

Ask for professional help

If you have any questions or think that your child may really have problems with video games, do not hesitate to contact an expert. It is the best way to get guidance and answers to your questions.

We hope these tips have been helpful to you in preventing video game addiction. It is important that you use them and thus avoid more serious substance abuse problems in the future.

Finally, and most importantly, spend quality time with your children. There is nothing more satisfying for children than being with you and having a parent present.