Gaming addiction: How to wean teens away from devices

The understanding of what would make a wholesome life gets compromised with the lines between the real and the reel getting easily and frequently blurred. This raises grave concerns within society where we are losing the potential that a young individual has. It makes them susceptible to varying mental health sequelae including a significant impact on their moods, relationships and their overall quality of life. Intervention to ensure that there is a balanced approach that is adopted by young individuals is an absolute imperative at this juncture.

The Solution

Parental Intervention: Building Early Foundations

Parents form the first line of defence and need to intervene from an early age. It is important to establish firm checks – daily time caps using built-in device features, no screens at least an hour before bed, and family zones free of devices during dinners or conversations. Beyond rules nurturing dialogue is a must. It is critical to have conversations about how gaming highs can be detrimental in the long run and the necessity of having a balanced life. Leading by example is an imperative as is having fun, family time where parents effectively demonstrate other approaches to spend time effectively.

Schools’ Role: Educating for Digital Wisdom

Media Literacy in Classrooms

Schools can demystify gaming’s attraction and it’s hooks through dedicated media literacy programs. Teaching kids to understand how media functions and the manipulative designs that are utilized to create reward pathways which grab attention is critical.

Fostering Real Connections

Parallel efforts need to be directed to build interpersonal skills. Encouraging students to engage in group projects, sports activities, and clubs that prioritize face-to-face bonds is important. Role-plays and discussions are mediums that can be helpful in encouraging the acquisition of right values and processes of functioning and doing things.

Role Models in Society: Leading by Example

Influential adults wield a significant amount of influence and power over young minds. Demonstrating and encouraging young people to make the right choices and engage in real world activities is a must. Sharing stories and narratives and discussing the role that experiences from their life have played in shaping their success is a helpful aid.

Policy Frameworks: Guarding the Digital Frontier

It is important that society continually and rigorously evolve regulations to match the pace of gaming and media platforms. Reviewing existing policies and ensuring that education relating to the ill effects of excessive usage to the point of addiction to gaming or other media should be encouraged. It is essential that there is a greater accountability of all stakeholders.

Collective approaches involving early action through parental intervention, smart programs and processes at school, role-model accountability and interventions, and updated policy frameworks that empowers the youth to game wisely amid today’s digital world is the way forward.

Written by Dr Samir Parikh, Chairperson, Mental health program Fortis healthcare and Adayu Mindfulness