Games can be addictive - But infatuation is one thing.

The following article is for parents of teens who may be particularly concerned about video and / or Computer Games. While in some of our articles we may sound like promoting fantasy, we share the concerns of young people who often avoid other interests in life in order to choose sports activities and withdraw from society. We will never encourage this kind of behavior, which is why we have taken the time to explain some of the symptoms of a fascination with the game and give advice on how to deal with it.

Identifying the symptoms of addiction in youth sports is not as easy as one might think. It always starts as a first, an interest, and then begins to grow into an add-on. The problem with identifying the first stages of the game starts with the teens. By the time our children are 15 years of age and older, they have learned the skills of debates. So if we have doubts about their motives for playing the game over and over again, they may be able to answer our concerns rationally and even make a point of doubting our mistakes as parents.

Since no parent really wants to admit a mistake, we can sometimes admit and convince ourselves that maybe 4 hours before the video game is not so bad. After all, we spend so much time on the Computer, on the phone, or transmitting data back and forth between our devices.

Be aware that you may fall victim to rational youth. Video games can be addictive and, if left unmanaged, can be devastating to a teenager.

As soon as you see your child's grades drop, homework is lost, or community life begins to decline, use that game time to start. If you wait too late to limit game time, you may experience some pre-adult anger that you are not prepared to handle properly (swearing, breaking things, stealing, running away from home, etc.). At this point, the child is anxious and will do whatever it takes to get his hands on the game controller.

Another sign of addiction is behavioral change. A playful child will lose his patience over things and others, be easily offended, and respond to situations without fully thinking about the consequences. If you pay attention to any video and / or computer games, you will see that it requires this kind of behavior to win or advance.

It is unfortunate, but a teenager who is very busy with this type of violent game is trained to react in the way described above. That’s why it’s important that as an adult, set boundaries to access this type of entertainment and instead do less imaginative things (like art, music, theater, etc.) and expose your child to other non-violent pleasures like dance, swimming, skiing, etc. 

There are many controversies surrounding the role that video games have in today's youth, and some of them may need some attention. As the mother or father of the child, you will do well with your child's desire to “play his game” by keeping an eye on unwanted changes.