Children’s Computer Addiction
CHILDREN’S COMPUTER ADDICTION is a major worry for an increasing number of parents. The government of South Korea are so concerned about the effects of computer addiction on young people that they passed a gaming law requiring websites to shut out players under 16 during a six hour block at night.
Why Kids With High IQs Are More Likely to suffer Children’s Computer Addiction
The American Medical Association has decided that video-game addiction, which is an important variety of children’s computer addiction, will not be included as a disease in the proposed edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSMV)..
Countless studies have established that intelligent children like to pit themselves against challenges because the anticipation of success stimulates dopamine within the brain. This natural neurotransmitter, which is in some ways similar to adrenaline in providing a euphoric rush, provides a pleasant recreational experience in which time passes quickly and seemingly without effort; the classic experience of taking an addictive drug.
Not all challenges are bad. Children are to be encouraged to perform well in sports, academic examinations, and activities such as chess tournaments. These, however, usually occur in moderation whereas children’s computer addiction consumes more and more hours of their time.
The Results of Prolonged Children’s Computer Addiction
Researchers discover that children’s computer addiction affects the brain
Experts assert that Children’s Computer Addiction can lead to the following problems:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (pain and numbness in hands and wrists)
- Dry eyes or strained vision
- Back aches and neck aches; severe headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Pronounced weight fluctuation (gain or weight loss)
According to The Harvard Medical School:
“In the last few years, research has suggested that addiction involves many of the same brain pathways that govern learning and memory. Addiction alters the strength of connections at the synapses (junctions) of nerve cells, especially those that use the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Underlying these changes are drug-induced activation and suppression of genes within nerve cells, another process scientists are beginning to explore.”
How To Help Your Child Get Beyond Children’s Computer Addiction
The problem with addiction, including Children’s Computer Addiction is that the relationship between the addicted person and their carers or parents becomes fractured. It’s essential, therefore, in helping your child over this difficulty to establish a healthy relationship with them. This may take some effort on your part as parents.
- Organize some family activities away from the home, and leave the iPad and tablet behind.
- Limit Internet access, and establish family routines such as regular meal times.
- Make a list of activities for your child to perform when you’re busy. Keep them at it so that you aren’t inadvertently using the computer as a child minder.
- Organize outdoor activities for Kids and make sure your child takes part.
- Persist, even though your teenager may argue with you.
If these suggestions don’t work, or seem wrong for your situation then you may need some professional help. Why not leave a comment below and get in touch with me 🙂
