Media addiction

Is this still normal or already dangerous? Parents quickly become concerned when their children spend too much time playing online games, watching videos or using social media. When does media use become too much and how can parents prevent media addiction? You will find answers to your questions in this article.

Chatting, surfing, playing games - children and young people are often fascinated by digital media. There is a serious risk of addiction when excessive use severely impairs everyday life and virtual worlds become more important than social contacts in real life.

Long periods in front of the screen or on the cell phone are a frequent topic of contention, especially during puberty. However, a pathological media addiction is not only indicated by measurable screen time. Parents should also observe how media consumption affects other areas of life and what health, performance-related, emotional and social impairments are associated with it.

Signs of a risk of addiction can include:

• Your child hardly pursues their hobbies or other interests.
• Your child neglects their friends. It withdraws socially
.
• School is left out. Performance deteriorates.
• Your child cannot resist the urge to continue playing games, chatting and surfing.
• All thoughts revolve around the preferred activities on the internet.
• Your child looks for excuses to be online all the time
• Your child reacts with frustration and irritation when they don't have access to their cell phone, tablet or laptop.
Your child shows physical problems such as fatigue, vision problems, poor posture, obesity, hand, back or headaches.Your child neglects themselves, their personality changes
• Attempts to limit their gaming behavior or Internet time repeatedly fail.

Digital media are a natural part of life today. Skills in the sensible use of digital media are more important than ever in everyday school life, in the private sphere and later in working life. Strict bans are therefore not the solution. Rather, it makes sense to establish common rules for playing computer games and spending time online at an early stage. You should involve your child in the negotiation process, the more likely they are to accept the rules.

These tips from experts can help prevent media addiction:

• Talk to your child early on.
• Always explain the risks and consequences of media addiction in an age-appropriate way.
• Negotiate reasonable times that are acceptable to all parties, for example during school hours, weekends and public vacations, and during vacations.
• Keep the negotiated internet usage times in writing. Remind your child of this again and again.
• Make sure that the media rules are adhered to. Violations should have comprehensible consequences (e.g. reduced playtime at the weekend)
• Offer a variety of leisure activities with friends and family and motivate your child to take part in alternative activities.
• As parents, set an example.
• Keep talking to your child about their internet usage behavior. Regularly ask which online games, apps and media channels are currently popular.
• Inform yourself about the addictive mechanisms and seductive tricks in the games and apps that your child frequently uses.