To mark the world video game day, experts from the Department of Health of Dénia and the UPCCA of Dénia recall the importance of limiting the excessive use of technology in children and adolescents to prevent their addiction.
In this sense, the WHO classifies addiction to video games as a Mental illness within the category of “substance use or addictive behavior”. People who suffer from this disorder present signs such as a lack of control over the game, both in context and duration; the abandonment of other activities of daily life, from stopping studying, sleeping or going out with friends and an intensified use, despite the negative consequences.
Experts maintain that the abusive use of technology by children and adolescents is a social problem, but that the solution is in the hands of the parents. "Parents are the ones who must establish and enforce the rules on the proper use of electronic devices," they point out from the Child and Youth Health Commission of the Marina Alta. And they launch the following recommendations to prevent pathological behaviors derived from its misuse:
- Give example. You also make a responsible and moderate use of ICT
- Set rules and limits. Maximum connection time, 2 hours a day, to assume their responsibilities (study, sports...), to respect schedules (food, sleep...) and to disconnect 1 hour before bed
- Create a common space at home and in view of everyone (the technology stays outside the room). This will allow for more monitoring.
- Check your internet connections and insists that you do not share personal information or contact strangers
- If you break your part, warn and limit or withdraw to achieve a responsible use of ICT
