Milkoholic Baby

The Effects of Screens on Children

Many children and adolescents are becoming addicted to smart devices and the virtual world!

In fact, for many individuals, this situation turns into a technology addiction beyond just affection.

Game developers invest in every kind of research that will feed this addiction for their commercial purposes.

The consciously designed visuals, movements, lights, screen brightness, rhythm of images and sounds in games and videos stimulate the brain’s pleasure center. Rewards and punishments, as well as a certain level of failure within the game, which are intentionally set by game developers, continuously fuel the desire for gaming in young people.

Especially during adolescence, young people can easily reach a magical world with the press of a button. In these games, they find the adrenaline they excessively need. Additionally, in these games, they can socialize with their peers without face-to-face interaction or the need to feel embarrassed. They can find a shared space in areas such as game characters and strategies. Young people feel more in control and powerful in the virtual environment.

Of course, too much of anything is harmful. Parents often prefer to solve their children’s excessive screen use with a screen ban. But what will happen to the adolescent’s needs for adrenaline, socialization, feeling in control, feeling powerful, and belonging to a group after banning screens? Will this measure prevent technology addiction in children?

Looking at a screen causes the brain to produce Alpha waves. Children and adolescents feel relaxed because of this. The process is almost like a hypnotic effect, and it is very difficult to break free from it. When setting boundaries for these objects, it is important for parents to act wisely, considering the adolescent’s needs.

So, how should a wise parent approach the screen issue?

First, parents need to review their own screen usage and their relationship with social media. It is evident that a parent who constantly has a smart device in hand will set an example for their child.

The relationship established with screens at an early age is very important. If electronic devices are constantly given to a child to make them eat better, stay entertained, or be quiet, and if the television is always on at home, screen use becomes permanent. Psychiatrist Tisseron, based on his research, suggests the 3-6-9-12 rule for screen usage.

This rule states:

• Children under 3 should not be exposed to screens.
• Children under 6 should not play computer or console games.
• Children under 9 should not browse the internet without an adult being present.
• Children under 12 should not have social media accounts or be on social media platforms.

It is very effective for families to research the effects of excessive screen exposure together and discuss the results in a family meeting. Instead of advice from an adult, it is much more effective for the adolescent to defend an issue themselves, allowing them to internalize it.

Parents often use abstract and hard-to-understand terms such as “This is for your future” when explaining the harms of screens to their children and adolescents. Instead, it is more beneficial to make clearer and simpler explanations, give concrete examples, and set short-term goals.

There is always a reason for children to play a particular virtual game. Discussing what attracts them in the game with the family is important for strengthening family bonds and communication. You can turn the topic of the game’s subject, characters, and its importance for the child and adolescent into a conversation.

You can relate the game your child plays to real life. If the game your child is playing is related to history, you can offer them an opportunity to engage with history in real life as well. For example, visiting ancient cities, researching historical artifacts and excavations, or volunteering in renovation projects.

Sometimes, parents want their children to play games in a place away from them due to the sounds that come from the games. However, these games can be played with the adolescent wearing headphones and being physically and mentally present with the parent. This way, parents become more aware of the process, and children don’t feel exiled.

Creating spaces where young people can meet in nature, engage in socializing, and expend energy through activities like nature walks, team games, rafting, or camps is very valuable. Family activities, artistic and sports activities, and participation in social events will serve as preventative measures.

It is important to reduce screen usage through a realistic plan and cooperate in making an effort. Expecting a young person who is exposed to screens for long hours to suddenly stop using them is unrealistic. While reducing screen usage, parents can express their intention to be more careful about something difficult for them (such as checking emails every time they arrive).

As in every matter, accepting the feelings of the child and adolescent regarding screens and the virtual world, setting boundaries, and establishing routines will enable a more lasting solution.

What’s important is relationships. Investing in relationships and meeting emotional needs reciprocally allows children and adolescents to find what they are seeking in the virtual world in real life.