5 Ways to Break a Child’s Video Game Addiction

You know your child is addicted to video games when they are thinking about it all the time and are angry or sad when they don’t get to play. Video gaming addiction has been added to the medical reference books as a “gaming disorder” since 2018 by the World Health Organization.

Video games are no longer limited to the ones that require a TV. Smartphones have all types of games available for download. So, a child who has a gaming disorder can go undetected for a very long time. If you have a child with a gaming disorder and are wondering how to break a child’s video game addiction without aggravating them, then you must read further. 

Monitor Screen Time

In this age of privacy, even kids want to be left to their devices. So, it may not be easy for you to monitor their activities constantly. That said, you must monitor their screen time. This includes television, computer, and smartphones. Let your child know the amount of time they are allowed to use each of these devices every day. 

You may face resistance at first, but stay put. By not giving in to children’s tantrums, you will be able to assert the importance of your decision. 

Develop a Mutual Hobby

We recommend that you try different activities along with your child to find one that both of you enjoy. It could be gardening, cooking, arts, sports, fishing, etc. the options are unlimited. There is bound to be an activity that both of you enjoy. Start by taking time out each day to work on the hobby. 

You, as a parent, have to take some time out so that you can help your child overcome this gaming disorder. You may be working or running a business, but you have to juggle your schedule around your child’s life.

Educate Your Child about the Consequences

Sometimes, it helps to talk to your child about the consequences of this disorder. Video game addiction can lead to obsessive behavior, sleeplessness, no physical activity, social isolation, poor academic performance, and other physiological and psychological problems. 

Explaining to them the difference between reality and virtual worlds can help them put things into perspective. When the child understands the consequences of this disorder and the fact that it is just an imaginary world, they will be able to accept your help in overcoming the problem.

Create a Reward and Punishment System

Make your child earn their game time. You can reward them with 30 minutes of game time when they get a good grade in school. This will make them work harder for their screen time. Also, add a punishment system, where you take away from their game time if they do not behave in the desired manner. 

Let Them Keep a Journal

Ask your child to maintain a journal about their feelings when the urge to play video games arises. Sometimes, when children are ridiculed or laughed at in school, they want to get a sense of achievement, and video games can help. You can use the journal to analyze the triggers for the urge to play video games. You can both then work on minimizing such triggers. 

A child’s mind is sometimes unable to distinguish between the real and imaginary worlds. This can lead to them developing a gaming disorder that gives them a sense of accomplishment. How to break a child’s video game addiction can be a delicate matter and needs to be handled sensitively.