Addiction to Social Media and Gaming

                             Addiction to Social Media and Gaming



Social networking websites have made our lives significantly easier when it comes to keeping in touch with those we care about even if they happen to live across the world from us. Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and a dozen of other apps and websites with the elements of social interaction, are used every single day by children and parents alike. However, when the use of these social networking sites interferes with a person's perception of reality and his or her attitude towards everyday activities and real-life communication, it is time to address the issue. While social media addiction can happen to anyone, there is no doubt that children are especially prone to developing this problem.

According to reports, almost 92% of the teens from the age of 13 to 17 are online regularly and 75% out of all have internet access on their digital cell phones. Reports say most teens spend at least 9 hours a day on digital media. 71% of teens are using more than one social media platform.

An online multiplayer mobile game which lets users create teams, get guns, targets directly on self-esteem and ammunition to survive against others on a virtual island, has taken India by storm.

What we think could be the responsible factors for such a concern.

·       I would say both parents and teens and would add the society for a safe measure. Parents and the students back in the old days didn't have so many distractions as compared to today. Day by day people are getting lazier and they want an easy way out. Parents don't want to exert themselves by taking their kids out to keep them happy, the mobile nowadays is doing the job for them. The kids don't want to hang around with parents anymore and since they have mobiles they are more than entertained with it and don't seek a family outing or other such outings to keep them entertained.

·       Mobile phone availability increased with 4G internet speed. Some special gaming tools to operate in mobile unlike in PlayStation. The device is handy and can be carried to any place of interest. The user does not incur any other additional cost other than data usage.




 

Here are some of the warning signs that could indicate that your teen is addicted to Social Media Networking and Gaming.

1.    Your teen spends an excessive amount of time on Social Media and plans his or her day around using the social media site.

2.    Social Media Networking seems to be a means of escaping from the pressures of everyday life for your teen.

3.    When Screen Play time is limited, your child becomes agitated and upset.

4.    Homework and studying takes a backseat to Networking, and your child’s grades suffer.

These are some ways parents can slowly work on their interaction with the teens, while spending more quality time with kids.

Sit down with your teen and come up with a list of all of his or her favourite activities that are not related to Social Media. Take the list out whenever your child has some free time, and encourage him or her to take part in the activities on the list.

Set time limits for your teen’s internet use. Try to minimize cell phone usage apart from communication. Set limit on the computer usage. If you try out this strategy, you can expect that your teen won’t be very happy at first. Just remember that you are the parent, you are in control, and you are doing what is best for your child.

Reward your teen for decreased Screen use. Each week or month your child uses Facebook appropriately, reward him or her with a book, movie, mp3, trip to encourage physical play, or other incentive. This will help encourage healthy internet habits and encourage interest in other forms of entertainment that are separate from Social Media or Gaming.

 Research has shown that it isn't the sheer quantity of time kids spend online, but instead the quality of what they are doing with that time. Activities that encourage social connection and creation are generally preferable to passive viewing. 




It is your job as a parent to be proactive about addiction and nip the dependence in the bud. The life of a teenager should be exciting and full of opportunities. So, don’t let any sort of addiction hinder your child’s growth into a healthy and happy adult.

By

Dr. Mona Shah

Occupational Therapist, Clinical Psychologist



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