In this present age, one of the things that keep teenagers engaged is video games. It is interesting to note that some video games can improve the IQ of a teenager. While some games can make them addicted in the long run.
Some teenagers play video games for several hours, which has a resulting negative effect on them in the long run. This usually happens because they are left unsupervised, and they are given much autonomy to play video games for as long as they want.
If left unchecked, teenagers can become addicted to video games, and it can adversely affect different areas of their lives. To prevent this from happening, it is best to set some measures in place to control their love for games.
Track their screen time
One of the effective ways to prevent gaming addiction in your young children is to track the amount of time they spend playing games. You need to know how many hours they spend in front of their screen so that you can control it.
Remember that they have other important aspects of their lives like academic work, which should be given much priority. If teenagers spend several hours playing games, they are likely to become preoccupied with them.
Educate your child on what addiction means
Another way to prevent gaming addiction is to teach your child what addiction means. You don’t have to use complex jargon when explaining to them. The goal is to break it down to their level so that they can have a basic knowledge of what it means.
Introduce healthier alternatives to gaming
If you suspect that your child is gradually getting to the point where they might be addicted to gaming, you need to let them in on other alternatives. Some of these include Hiking, Exercise, Reading, Writing, Yoga, etc.
Set rewards when they hit goals in other aspects of their lives
You can deviate your teenager’s attention from gaming when you attach rewards if they achieve some small wins. This will allow them to share their attention so that they won’t be too fixated on video games.