The multi-billion dollar Video gaming industry attracts lots of children and adults every year. A good number of children see the gaming activities as a source of thrill and action, especially, since it can be played on the television, or on a handheld device. As these kids indulge in video gaming, the tendency is that some of them – if not most, become addicted to the process. This Video game addiction means they are involved in the game for long hours in the day, leading to loss of interest in other aspects of life, neglect in health, tasks, and even relationships.

Kids who are addicted to video games devote more of their time and energy to their gaming process, rather than academic activities and real-world pursuits. For them, priority is given to gaming accomplishments over any other activity including spending time with family and friends. This will gradually lead to a decline in personal performance of the kids, and their interpersonal relationships.

How To Identify Game Addiction In A Child
The fact is, a child spending a lot of time on gaming activities doesn’t necessarily mean he/she is addicted. The Center for On-Line Addiction gives the following signs as warning signals for video game addiction.

The signs include:

-Thinking about games during other activities.
-Playing games for increased amounts of time.
-Lying to conceal gaming.
-Using gaming as escape from real-life problems, anxiety, or depression.
-Feeling irritable when trying to cut down on gaming.

Also, video game addicted kids tend to drop out of their social networks, become isolated, and give up other hobbies.

Steps To Save Kids From Game Addiction
Some recommended steps for you to take include:

a)Limiting Game Time To One Hour Per Day Or Less.

b) The same way television shouldn’t consume your child’s fun time, video games shouldn’t too. A level of limitation should be placed on the amount of time your child plays a video game. Not more than one hour per day is recommended. When this hour is up, a break should be taken and normal activities resumed.

c)Pay Attention To Problems Resulting From Gaming.

When a particular game causes your child to begin to behave differently, react poorly, develop a negative attitude or show other signs of problems, take action as soon as possible. You may consider revoking the child’s privilege of playing that particular game.

d)Let The Video Gaming Devices Be Out Of The Children’s Room.

If your kid(s) must own a personal gaming device, ensure you have some control over their interaction with it. You can keep them from having these devices in their room. Preventing kids from having game devices in their room means they can’t just play it any time they are bored or depressed.

https://uptownerd./2020/07/17/preventing-video-game-addictions-in-kids/