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For many people, video games are more than just a hobby. They can be a way to learn, be inspired, meet people and make friends in online communities, a way to test your skills and focus, or even a life project for those who dedicate themselves to esports professionally.
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However, What is fun for many people may become an unhealthy obsession or even an addiction for others. To manage this at home, tech companies have developed parental filters that allow them to control how much time their children spend playing video games and even the type of content they interact with on their video game consoles, computers or mobile devices. But is that enough?
Video game addiction is not a new phenomenon. “Access to different consoles seems to be easier now than before, when owning these devices was seen as a luxury” explains Justo Mesa, director of the Psychology Department at Gimnasio Moderno.
According to experts, with the rise of MMORPGs (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games), e.g. World of WarcraftIn the 2004 film “Star Wars”, there were cases of people breaking down due to staying in front of the screen for several hours or even days.
We won’t talk about it today Wowbut yes Overwatch o Fortnitea game that has attracted millions of players around the world, so The risk of addiction still exists.
Mesa commented on some of the warning signs when a minor is addicted to video games:They become withdrawn, socially awkward children who set aside their school responsibilities.”. In addition, it mentions that these games can lead to behavioral changes such as poor concentration and persistent aggression.
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Tips for preventing addiction
Dr. Liliana Camargo, a pediatrician and integrative medicine specialist, notes that “frequent video game use alters the structure and function of specific brain regions that are important for cognitive functions such as attention, perception, memory, and executive function,” which are essential for children’s development but can be impaired if too much time is spent in front of a screen.
Experts recommend that parents set clear rules for video game use. “How long and how often you play games is key to avoiding addiction.”, he assured.
Their advice also includes playing games with family members, knowing first-hand what content minors are accessing, and discussing the risks of talking to strangers online and the importance of protecting their privacy.
Likewise, the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare (ICBF) has published a guide for parents that recommends that adults take an active role in choosing the video games their children play, and reviews the PEGI (Pan-European Game Information) classifications for the age appropriateness of each game.Establishing clear rules of the game regarding content, schedule, and amount of time is critical” the entity said.
Support is key
While parental filters are helpful, they are not the only solution. “We should not demonize them, let alone ban them, because that makes children and young people more curious,” Mesa advises.
Rather than banning it, it recommends that parents accompany their children as they play games, establishing times and protocols that do not alter their daily routines, such as sleep schedules, homework or exercise times.
Finally, parents must be alert to symptoms of addiction, e.g. Dramatic changes in behavior, difficulty concentrating, or social isolation.
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According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5, some of the diagnostic criteria for “Internet gaming disorder” include obsession with video games, the need to spend increasing amounts of time playing games to feel satisfied, and irritability or anxiety when you can’t play.
How many players are there in Colombia?
A recent consumer study by consulting firm Bain & Company found that 13% of Colombians spend their free time on digital activities, such as video games and social networking. Highlight the impact of digitalization on daily life and today’s entertainment preferencesso it is important to discuss these issues at home.
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