RSU Expert: How to Prevent Tech Addiction in Children

These days it is hard to think of a day spent without a computer or the Internet. We use various devices and tools to learn languages, plan trips, make business contacts etc. The problem emerges when the thin line is crossed between using the computer purposefully and being addicted to its use. Knowing that schoolchildren are enjoying their well-deserved summer holidays, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) assistant and psychologist Aelita Vagale addresses tech addiction problems and highlights the issues parents should know to avoid so their children are not addicted to computers as adults. 

"If an adult spends their day at work in front of the computer we will not say that he is a computer addict, as the computer is used for completing his work duties. The problem starts, when one is supposed to accomplish a hard and complicated task, but surfs the Internet for hours instead. When the person realises at the end of the work day that the task remains uncompleted, he feels bad and on returning home, decides to play a computer game to escape this unpleasant feeling. This is the fine line between being unable to remain focused on completing one’s work and to relax and seek positive emotions on the Internet. At this point, we can say that this is the start of a bad habit that could turn into addiction, if there are certain traits in an individual’s character that  don’t allow him to address hardships and make him escape the difficulties instead. 

If the addiction in an adult does not interfere with their personal life and the habit does not lead to any adverse consequences, which come up repeatedly, then all is fine, however if the computer usage habits do have these consequences, i.e. they are reprimanded at work, their family is unhappy that they spend most of their time in front of the computer instead of spending time with their children and if it is a repeated behaviour, we are talking about computer addiction. Psychologist Aelita Vagale defines addiction as “the quality or state of being carried away by something and ignoring of other things.” 

Signs of computer addiction may already be detected in early childhood. “Children have specific needs in every phase of their childhood. For example, a child must learn social skills and must be able to control one’s emotions by the age of six. Studies show that children who have not learnt these skills commonly turn to the computer as a tool for discharging or regulating one’s emotions and are often inclined to computer addiction. It means that young children, whose parents have not provided them with other opportunities for dealing with their emotions and haven’t given them the chance to develop social skills, should not be given access to a computer before these skills have been acquired. The maximum time that should be spent in front of a computer by a child, aged 3 to 6 years is 10-20 minutes and by no means longer than half an hour if the child also spends time in front of the TV,” the RSU assistant explains how an addiction develops.  

Studies show that extroverts are at higher risk of computer addiction, "They look for emotions in what they see on the Internet or on the computer. They do not feel that safe in an environment with other individuals. For example, individuals with social phobia find friends on the Internet and for a while it will compensate human communication, although in truth this only intensifies the problems and hardships. It means that parents must be vigilant enough to understand that their child who does not feel too comfortable at school and is anxious, should not be granted access to the computer before attempting to solve existing problems in some other way, e.g. by consulting a specialist."

During the teenage years when children are looking for peer groups, social networks and net games are extremely popular. Studies reveal that children who spend more time on the Internet commonly face violence on the Internet and become violent themselves which means that parents must be vigilant, discuss with their children the rules of safe Internet use and follow through that the child complies.   

"Nevertheless, the majority of studies show that the best safeguard against computer or Internet addiction is a supportive family environment and good relationships between the parents. A time limit on computer time is a tool, however it is not a guarantee against computer addiction if the family environment is dysfunctional and the child receives no support. It would be wrong to blame the child for computer addiction. It is up to the parents to reconsider their habits and communication with the children and within the family in general,” the psychologist emphasises. 

It has been proven that children who spend long hours in front of the computer, play computer games or spend time on social networks frequently have poor metal health, i.e. weaker social skills and emotional control, they are inclined towards anxiety which can lead to more significant issues when they reach adulthood. 

There are some simple rules which should be followed by parents so that the time spent by their children in front of a computer is safe. "Just as as we do not allow our children to eat loads of candy before dinner, by promising something sweet afterwards, it is important to set the time when the child can use their computer. If the child has completed their homework and has talked to their parents etc. the time spent in front of the computer afterwards will do no harm, however if the child has attention deficit, and is given a laptop to compensate for it, this can lead to certain problems and a willingness to isolate oneself. 

The formula for calculating the time spent in front of a computer is “grade multiplied by ten”. It means that if your child is in fourth grade, the time spent in front of a computer cannot exceed 40 minutes, provided that an equal time period is spent out in the fresh air or pursuing other activities. If the parents can stick to this rule, the use of the computer by their children will be quite safe”, RSU assistant and psychologist Aelita Vagale encourages parents.