Modern children cannot imagine life without a computer or other gadgets. Parents often do not know how to tear their children away from the screen and games, and worry that they are not “dragged out”. A passion for computer games can really grow into an addiction, or it can become the start of a successful career. Let’s try to figure out how to prevent gambling addiction in children, and also whether it is possible (and worth it) to make a professional esports player out of a home gamer.
WHEN SHOULD PARENTS WORRY?
Computer games have the disadvantage of losing all sense of time – there are no boundaries. Children do not see the problem and, accordingly, do not want to fight it. We must not forget that we receive all kinds of information from social networks, and children in games – vivid emotions that they cannot experience in life. It is hard to give up these emotions, like sweet candy.
Computer games are not inherently wicked; the issue is how much the youngster “consumes” them. Continue the parallel with sweets: eating just sweets all day and night will eventually lead to health concerns. And it will be a delight and completely safe if you consume one or two candies every day after a healthy meal.
Addiction arises when a person is unable to regulate their intake, whether it be candy or video games. The first indicators are when a gaming or sweets prohibition generates frustration, rage, and aggressiveness. A person who is reliant is physically unwell. These aren’t mood swings or a terrible personality – this is a genuine break when my entire body suffers and all I can think about is giving more!
If the teenager plays at a certain time, especially in a period of new releases, for example, long-awaited Diablo 4, feeling so inspired by the new quests, completing them with diablo 4 power leveling service but at the same time does not switch off from the real world – there is nothing terrible in metered computer games.
WHY DO SOME CHILDREN BECOME ADDICTED AND OTHERS DO NOT?
This explanation will irritate many parents. Everything is derived from the family. If a child is playing hard, it suggests that one of the parents is also working hard: socializing, watching TV shows, etc. As a result, the youngsters were not given the opportunity to explore other leisure alternatives at home. This means they lack communication abilities within the family as well as typical communication skills outside of it.
According to psychologists, the best thing a parent can do for their children is to build healthy relationships in the family, respect them and show how multifaceted the real world is.
HOW TO PROPERLY RESTRICT A CHILD IN GAMES?
Respectfully communicating with a child of any age on any subject is essential. To negotiate, not to break down, not to yell, not to take away electronics or a computer.
It is conceivable and important to develop rules for both a three-year-old toddler and a teenager. At the same time, you not only firmly require, but also observe their observance. If you have agreed that children would play for an hour and then switch off the computer, or else they will not be able to play this week, then both they and you must satisfy these terms. No matter how much the child whines, suffers, and manipulates you afterward, punishment for noncompliance with the agreements should follow.
The transformation of game lovers into addicted gamers happens quite quickly. In some cases, you can not do without the help of a psychologist, sometimes a psychotherapist. If the child does not want to seek help, and you can not cope – go to a psychologist yourself, work with yourself, and broadcast to the family how such cooperation can change the quality of life. The parent example works, even if it is not obvious – but it is a long job. But while you can still control something, try to negotiate. Or find an authoritative “educator” in the family or close environment, ideally a former gamer who understands the passion for the game and can gently guide the child.
WHAT IF CHILDREN BECOME FAMOUS ESPORTS PLAYERS – AND WE LIMIT THEM?
Different players come to esports. The best option is when everything happens “for love”. Such players can be seen immediately: they get high from the game and talk about it with childish delight, they are light, bright guys who successfully combine two lives – virtual and real. For them, the game is a sport, entertainment, but not a departure from reality.
But there are also “traumatized” esports players: these are guys that had a tense family situation, no understanding with their parents, no communication with their classmates – and they came to the game to withdraw from reality and be a hero, at least for a while.
“Traumatized” children have to be taught to build a sleep schedule, exercise, eat right, combine time at the computer with real physical activities, and work harmoniously with other people.
SHOULD ALL GAMERS STRIVE FOR ESPORTS?
Only those who are prepared to work hard and understand how to derive healthy enjoyment from the game should participate in esports. A significant amount of work is required here. After all, esports gamers spend a lot of time in front of a computer – and these are not simply “toys”; players have little opportunity to engage in real-world activities.
This is the cruelest self-discipline, continual training, a reasonably strict daily and nutritional diet, a relatively short esports age – it is thought that beyond 26 years, a slow reduction in response speed begins, and so on. You must be passionate about esports – coming here for the purpose of large money is not recommended. Nothing prohibits you from getting high from amateur games at any age if you are not ready for sports limits.
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.