Computer, game and Internet dependence in children and adolescents. How to determine and get rid of the problem of addiction?

Computer and Internet dependence in children and adolescents is a scourge of our time. And, according to experts, over time, the problem will only aggravate. It is very difficult to help their children get rid of this dependence. Most often, without the help of specialists, it is impossible to solve this problem.

The content of the article

Computer, Internet and game dependencies in adolescents can cause serious psychological problems. Having learned to make friends and communicate through the “World Wide Web,” children and adolescents cannot adapt in adulthood. This leads to the development of social and psychological problems. That is why, many psychologists equate this dependence on dependence on alcohol and drugs.

The main types of computer dependence in children

In order to understand the seriousness of this problem, it is necessary to correctly determine the types of computer dependence

According to psychologists, it can be of two types:

1. Game addiction - The craving of adolescents, schoolchildren and some adults to computer games. A gamer can stay for his favorite computer game for hours. Very often, study suffers from this problem, and social skills are inhibited. Rare snacks and unhealthy foods are spilled in digestive disorders. What can lead to the development of serious gastrointestinal diseases.

2. Dependence on the Internet Or network. A very common psychological deviation. Often develops on the basis of the difficulties of "normal" relationships between peers. It is easier for a teenager to make new friends and communicate on the Internet of the Internet than to do this in the real world.

How to determine computer, game and Internet dependence in children and adolescents?

If you notice a pathological craving for your children to a computer, electronic gadgets or the Internet, then it is best to consult about such a dependence with a specialist.

Only a psychologist will be able to accurately determine whether the teenager has the above problem or parents are condensing paints. It is worth going to a psychologist if:

The child spends time behind the computer monitor more than 3 hours a day
Immediately after waking up or returning to study, the teenager includes a computer
If you distract the child from the computer or limit the time of his stay after him, quarrels and conflicts arise
The child communicates more time with the help of social networks and messengers
In the absence of access to a computer, tablet or smartphone, the child does not know what to do with himself
Due to a long pastime at the computer, the child neglects home responsibilities and lessons
All relationships with peers are built on the discussion of computer innovations, games and news of the Internet

Test for computer, game and Internet dependence for children and adolescents

There is a special test due to which you can understand whether your child has a game or Internet dependence

Below is a list of questions that you need to answer either “yes” (1 point) or “no” (0 points). Then you need to calculate the number of points score.

Does your child start the morning with checking mail and correspondence on social networks?
If the child does not “talk” with the computer, he becomes irritable and angry?
Does your child have more than one social network?
Does your child neglect studies, household duties, meals and lessons for the sake of a computer?
When distracting a child from a computer, he expresses dissatisfaction and other negative emotions?
Does the child lower the time spent at the computer?
Without communicating with his virtual friends, does a child become uncomfortable?
Even acquaintances and relatives notice excessive passion for your child’s computer?
Without a computer, does the child consider his life to be dull and joyless?
Does the child repeatedly "forgets" about meetings and sports sections over the computer?

We calculate the results:

0-3 points. The problem of dependence on the computer to your child has not yet threatened. But, you should not lose vigilance. This problem begins small.

4-7 points. Signs of dependence on the face. Parents should already begin to sound the alarm and look for help from specialists. Otherwise, your child can slide into the world of illusory space.

8-10 points. Your child has a 100%dependence on the computer, Internet or games. It will most likely fail to get rid of it on its own. It must be admitted that your child has a psychological dependence and it is necessary to solve it with the help of specialists.

How to wean a child on computer dependence?

What can be done to solve such a problem yourself?

First of all, you need to pay attention to the life of your child, ask his hobbies. One of the factors that the child plunges into the virtual world with his head and lies that parents do not care about him. They themselves provoke that the child is looking for support outside the family. And the easiest way to do it is to him using a computer and the Internet.

Often, it is important for parents that the child studies well. And all the time that he conducts outside of study does not bother them. But, this approach is fundamentally incorrect. It is precisely the time that the child conducts out of study conceived and forms habits, character and personality.

You can reduce the child’s craving for computers, gadgets and Internet at home with:

Joint physical classes in the fresh air: running, football, etc.
Replacing the computer "offline days". During which you can go to museums, on an excursion, the theater or to a sporting event
Love for books. Find an interesting literature for him

It is necessary to show the child that the Internet is not only a means of entertainment, but also the main source of information and training. If the child likes to spend time at the computer so much, then it needs to be put into the right direction. Today, without leaving home, thanks to the "World Wide", you can learn programming, web design, foreign languages, etc. That is, everything that can be useful to your child in the future.

Treatment of computer dependence in adolescents

"Neglected" computer dependence requires treatment

You need to be prepared for the fact that this is a long process. With a simple time limit spent at the computer, with a progressive dependence, it is impossible to achieve a positive result. Most likely, such restrictions will lead to even greater conflicts.

There are several methods of treating dependence on the computer:

Psychoanalysis method. This method is considered the main in the treatment of computer dependence today. Thanks to the method of psychoanalysis, it is possible to identify the cause of “evading reality”. But, such treatment can only give a result if parents are involved in the course of therapy. Only with the help of family psychotherapy sessions can a child get rid of computer dependence.

Drug treatment. This treatment method is used if computer dependence is the cause of hidden depression. But, only such a disease is not treated with only drugs. Need an integrated approach.

Hypnosis method. One way to get rid of computer dependence is hypnosis. The psychotherapist introduces the patient into a trance and inspires him with an aversion from online games, social networks and other ways of leaving reality. The hypnosis method is less effective than the psychoanalysis method. Often, only the symptoms of the problem can be removed, but not to her.

Treatment of computer and Internet dependence takes place in several stages:

The teenager himself must realize his problem. This stage is very important for parents. They should not put pressure on the child, scream and swear. We need to sit down and talk to him. Understand the problems. And after such a conversation, go to a specialist. His authoritative opinion should help the teenager decide on his inner world

IMPORTANT: Without the desire of the teenager himself, no course of treatment can recover on such dependence. Only if the child understands that the problem really exists, the therapy can give a positive effect.

Support for loved ones. Without such support, a teenager, even the one who realizes his problem, will not be able to get rid of her. Family therapy is extremely important. That is why, in the office of the psychotherapist, his parents should be along with the teenager
Filling out of emptiness. It is also extremely important to make up for the void that will appear in a teenager in the refusal of a computer and the Internet. It is advisable for such a teenager to sign up for a sports section, find a hobby and real friends. The psychotherapist at this stage of treatment will be in every possible way to encourage and focus on the "successes" of the teenager in real life

You can get rid of computer dependence only under the guidance of a qualified specialist, the help of family members and loved ones.

Prevention of child dependencies on gadgets

The problem of computer dependence is very relevant

The computer today performs many functions and it is impossible to completely limit the child from its use. But, you can try to minimize negative moments when using it
The prevention of such a psychological dependence is to convey to the child’s consciousness that a computer is not an alternative reality, but a tool for learning, information search
It is important not to put pressure on the child and not limit him to use a computer, but to find a replacement for such a pastime. Playing sports or creativity is a great alternative to computer and Internet
But, if a computer for a child is a hobby, then it is possible to develop it? Bel Gates was also “turned” on computer technology. And he managed to create the most expensive corporation in the world. Where would he be today if his parents forbade him to spend time at the computer

Computer addiction: tips and reviews

Andrew. The son began to spend time at the computer more than the necessary. I would not pay attention to this if he had not slipped in his studies. I had to go to radical measures. I just removed the RAM bar from the computer. He returned them only when he showed a diary.

Olga. My son cannot live without a computer. At first I played constantly in some kind of online game. Even with friends we won the city championship. I did not forbid him to spend time at the computer for a long time, but I began to “slip” all sorts of different articles on the account of self -development using the Internet. Now he has mastered a web formation well. Makes sites and sells them. For a teenager, earnings are just excellent.