Most children spend several hours a day playing video games either alone or with friends. Although video games are not inherently bad, it’s important to limit your child’s gaming time.
Studies have linked excessive video game use to obesity, cognitive ability problems, anxiety, and poor academic performance. While video games don’t directly cause these issues, extended play sessions without breaks can contribute to them.
However, it’s not necessary to completely eliminate video games from your child’s life. There are proven methods to regulate their gaming time while also allowing for other fun and productive activities.
Learn to detect signs of video game addiction
Some children may develop an addiction to video games, and as a parent, it’s important to know the signs of video game addiction. These signs include:
- Seclusion: your child may withdraw from family and friends because they spend too much time playing.
- Becoming easily irritable.
- Losing interest in other activities.
- Neglecting homework, cleaning their room, or even taking a shower.
Knowing these signs can help you to make an early intervention.
Have a common understanding
Be willing to learn about and understand the video games your child is playing, and consider playing a game or two with them. There are higher chances you will get your child to listen to you when you talk to them about the games because you will also have a better understanding of the game as a parent.
Agree on how much time you are comfortable with your child spending on games, keeping in mind that two hours per day is on the higher end. You can also establish rules that your child must complete their homework and chores before they are allowed to play video games.
Encourage social and physical activities
Encourage your child to explore various social and physical activities that interest them. Instead of making the choices for them, discuss their interests and let them choose what they enjoy the most. Social activities that your child may enjoy include music, art, camping, youth programs, and religious activities.
Additionally, encourage your child to engage in outdoor activities because physical inactivity can lead to obesity. Children require at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and you can sign them up for sports clubs, swimming, dance, or bike riding to help them achieve this.
Have a routine
Having a routine and sticking to it can be beneficial for both you and your child. By establishing a schedule, your child will understand that there is time for everything. You can help them create a timetable and display it on the wall as a visual reminder. Encourage them to complete all their chores, including homework and personal hygiene, before allowing them to play.
It’s important to allow them their playtime, but you can also take on the responsibility of reminding them when it’s time to stop. Children can easily lose track of time while playing, so it’s helpful to bring them back to reality from time to time. Eventually, they’ll learn to manage their routine on their own.
Take the games out of the bedroom
Having video games in your child’s bedroom can lead to unsupervised playing, even when they should be sleeping. This can negatively affect their concentration, mood, and even cause anxiety. Instead, consider placing the video games in common areas such as the living room, where their playing can be easily supervised and regulated.
Be consistent and enforce the rules
If you are serious about getting your child off video games, consistency is key. Remember, you established rules together and had a common understanding of the consequences if they were broken.
Ensure that broken rules are followed by the consequences you put down, or your child will not take you seriously. For instance, you can ban the games for a while until your child learns from their mistake. By consistently enforcing the rules, your child will understand the importance of adhering to them and the consequences that come with breaking them.
Have family time
Playing video games can consume your child. Therefore, creating family time, such as eating meals together or watching your favorite TV program, can be a great way to distract your child from video games. This can also create open channels between you and your children and improve communication.
Encourage your children to express themselves to you freely. Give them the space to share their opinions and show them they are loved, and that their opinions matter. You can also brainstorm ideas for fun activities to engage in as a family, such as board games, outdoor activities, or movie nights.
