A Parents' Guideline to a Teenagers' Gaming Addiction
The Internet can be a haven for all types of people. They can range from teenage gamers to middle aged stock brokers, and even campaigning politicians. On average, most college students spend about 10 hours a week on the Internet, while Internet gamers spend anywhere from 20-25 hours weekly. Many adults and political activists believe that teenagers' recreational use of computers has gone well over what is recommended. Parents and policy makers alike should limit teenagers' use of computers by allowing a maximum number of hours spent on the Internet daily. Alongside controlling the quantity of time spent on the Internet, parents should limit their teens' activity, which would include monitoring any computer games that are constantly played.
Often, teens enjoy playing recreational computer games to get away from the daily stress of school and work. However, they might become so enveloped within the game that they lose sight of what is truly important in their life. Parents might begin to notice a drop in grades, a lack of effort towards homework assignments, and a more distant teen. Before banishing the teen from the computer, the first key step is to talk to him or her and explain the concern and ask for a change in attitude and action.
In a few weeks, if no progress has been made, or if the teenager has become more involved in
computer games and the Internet, a more drastic step needs to be taken. Step two would involve a form of punishment which would include time away from the computer and more time socializing and completing homework assignments accordingly. A social life is vital to a teenagers’ future well-being to feel a sense of belonging and friendship. An inanimate object such as a computer screen will not suffice the socializing criteria! That is the key idea that needs to be communicated to the teenager in order to form some sort of understanding between the parent and the teen.
By now, the teenager should be getting accustomed to the new computer policy. If the parents notice improvements, they should allow their teen to spend an hour or two on an approved computer game, in order to reward the teen for his or her hard work and understanding. If otherwise occurs, then the parents should continue reading for further information and solutions.
Video and computer games have become a hot-
button issue, filed under freedom of speech and expression. There is a reason why this issue has taken the front stage in so many debates. Aside from too many hours on the Internet, the worst thing a parent could do is allow the teen to consistently participate in gaming of mature content. In any major store, they often check ID before allowing anyone to buy a game rated "M" for Mature. The graphical depiction of homicidal murders is often thought to influence the terror acts committed at schools by teenage students. Parents should be aware of the material portrayed on the computer screen before allowing their teenager to absorb the horror of modern day Action Video Games.
Simple procedures such as proper monitoring of a teenagers behavior and limiting computer use may be beneficial to the teen. Not only will the teenager avoid being influenced by games that depict immoral actions, but he or she will also learn to become more social in school and life. That is a key necessity in raising an all-around healthy teenager. A final, helpful tip to parents: Don't only watch what your child eats; watch what your child plays. A healthy mind and a stable environment are just as necessary as a healthy body.
Are you for or against excessive video game playing? I'm okay with it, but I had to write a column for parents on how to raise a child who DOES NOT play video games. Here it is:
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