Whether we like it or not, the modern world without computer and mobile technology is already impossible to imagine. And if earlier computers were used more for creating programs and scientific research, today they have become available to any child. Unfortunately, constant sitting at the PC while passing the next level of your favorite game or chatting on social networks often leads to the so-called computer addiction, which, according to the overwhelming majority of psychologists, is comparable to a drug and alcohol addiction. If you do not tackle the problem in time, the consequences can be most dire. This applies to the physical health of your child, and moral. So, is it possible and how to wean a child of any age from a computer? Weāll talk about this.
How to wean a child from a computer and is it worth it?
This issue has recently become increasingly relevant, and there are endless debates among psychologists on this subject. Today without a computer - nowhere. Note that even in schools, in the study of computer science, students anyway contact the computer environment anyway. However, often the subject itself interests them to the very least extent (in terms of using the Internet or playing games, today's children know much more than their teachers).
But the saddest thing starts at home: the child sits at the computer for hours, without food and sleep, ignoring the world around him. This is the essence of the problem. However, in this case we are not talking about blocking the childās access to virtual reality completely and completely. In this process, you need to limit it a little or show that there are more interesting hobbies in the world. But this should not be done in a categorical form, but gently and carefully.
Some parents mistakenly believe that if a child sits at a computer all day, then this is a clear sign that a real computer genius or a great programmer will grow out of him. Alas, the percentage of those who have truly become one is very small. But then the parents begin a real headache about how to wean the child from the computer. Computer addiction can go into such a stage that it will be too late to take any measures. One can only hope for the help of a psychotherapist.
The effect of the computer on the health of the student
How do modern computer systems and software affect children? The attack goes on all fronts, affecting the physical and moral health of the user.
When a child spends a lot of time at the computer, he primarily damages his health. Despite all the statements made by manufacturers of modern computer systems about their safety, one can immediately note the effect of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the monitor and the system unit. Of course, now we are not talking about some critical overdose, nevertheless, such an effect cannot be discounted.
As a result of this, eye fatigue from constantly looking at the monitor begins, headaches, from being in a sitting position (most often wrong), the spine becomes curved, the child becomes irritable, he is overcome by stress, when something does not work, his hands can become numb, etc. . d.
But the physical symptoms of overwork are far from everything. Things are much worse with the moral state of children, which, according to psychologists, does much more harm. It's no secret that a child at a computer spends most of his time playing games or chatting with peers (and not only) on social networks and chat rooms. But on the same Internet is full of scammers of all stripes, not to mention extremist groups, banned resources or "adult" sites.
Computer games
Modern games, mostly single and team shooters, are a real threat to the psyche of children. The main goal is to kill as many opponents as possible. The choice of weapons is such that many military men will envy.
An adult understands that this is a game, but children with their fragile worldview are able to transfer the plots of games into real life, not really thinking about the consequences of their actions. And they often become tragic. Plus, if the child does not manage to pass a certain level, or he loses, a tantrum begins, up to breaking the computer, furniture or everything that is at hand.
Internet and social networks
No less dangerous is the modern Internet. Not to mention sites of dubious content, the World Wide Web is full of resources by no means of a childish focus, on which militant groups simply ābreakā the psyche of children, and then they become real kamikaze organizing terrorist acts āfor the ideaā.
Even communication on social networks is not so harmless. As a parent, think: why does a child spend most of his time in such communication with peers? Yes, only because he can express everything in virtual space, but you donāt have to lay claim to it in real life. In other words, in this situation, when parents begin to decide how to wean a child (of any age) from a computer, one should not forget that first of all you need to become a friend to him. The process, of course, will take more than one day, but then the child can be called up even for a frank conversation. Notice the conversation with a friend, not with the ward. And don't be afraid to let the children grow up. They like to consider themselves older than they really are. And the constant, excuse me, ātalkingā or the position āI'm older, I know betterā will only lead to the opposite effect.
Dangerous entertainment
It would be possible, as one of the options, to offer the child instead of āfreezingā in the social network or playing outdoor games on the street. There is nothing wrong with that. You can recall the games of your childhood, when you could drive into football, run in search of an opposing team, following the directions of the arrows on the pavement, and even doing some tasks along the way (āCossack robbersā). Why not a quest?
But today, such games, under the influence of the Internet, are taking on ever more perverse and often frightening forms. Take, for example, the so-called ādeath groupsā whose members call themselves whales (by analogy with ejected animals, as stated on the pages, from despair to the shore). Children fall under the influence of moderators and begin to carry out deadly tasks (they jump from high-rise buildings, cross the road in front of fast-moving vehicles, cut their hands with blades and do God knows what), and then upload the shots for public viewing on the Network. And there is something to think about.
Are bans worth setting?
If you really had to solve the problem "How to wean a child from computer games?", Please note: prohibitions will not lead to anything good. As you know, action gives rise to opposition.
So, if you constantly hide the computer, nothing good will come of it. Another thing is that you can set certain hours for a child of primary school age, when he will be able to enjoy his favorite game in plenty. But here it is better to show him the calculation of the time spent aimlessly, keeping entries in the diary.
If you have children of primary school age, it is advisable to turn off the Internet at home, and if you need it when studying the school curriculum, you can turn it on strictly at certain hours. It makes no sense to completely refuse to use the World Wide Web. All the same, the child will get access, because modern smartphones are just that oriented.
A few general tips for parents
Some parents use justifiable tactics: they say, while you were playing, you could already tolerably learn how to play the guitar. By the way, this method is good for teenagers.
They will soon begin to gather companies. And how is it without a guitar?
On the other hand, teens can be offered some kind of alternative to computer reality. Outdoor outdoor games, organized by analogy with computer shooters, will become much more interesting.
Take at least the same paintball. A real team first-person shooter in real time and with a real opponent.
Another hobby for a child can be interesting books (science fiction, adventure, detective stories, etc.). Of course, today's youth in paper form does not accept literature. Advise you to turn to some literary portal, an online library or just download interesting books (fiction, fantasy) in electronic form. Such a step of the child from reading a literary work does not repel. Let him see, for example, a fantastic action movie, and then indicate the discrepancy with the original book (a lot is always skipped in films). If a teenager is interested in the film, he will read the book to find out the full story.
Many experts recommend traveling with the child more often out of town. It can be a family picnic or mountain biking. Bet on who gets to the first place first.
A positive reaction in children is the search for firewood and dead wood for making a fire (who did not indulge in matches in childhood) or cooking the same kebab, fishing and cooking fish soup. While all this is being prepared, you can take up outdoor activities - play volleyball, swim in the pond, etc. That's the good thing about the Americans, who invented the scout movement. And some analogue of it will obviously not hurt us, especially since in such camps communication takes place between peers in real life, and not through the screen of a computer monitor.
In general, the topic of joint family cooking and eating is very relevant. At first, this can cause some difficulties, but, as statistics show, in about a month, family lunches and dinners can become a strong tradition.
Sometimes parents are advised to introduce children to sports, various kinds of circles or hobby groups. Yes, just buy your child a membership to the fitness club or to the pool. In general, there are enough methods to rid children of computer addiction. But with extreme sports you need to be extremely careful.
Lock your computer and set parental controls
Now a few words about the technical moment. Since we use Windows operating systems more, it will be considered them. How to lock the computer from children? In the simplest case, set a password for entering the system and enter it so that the child does not see it.
But in Windows 10, you can create a special type of child account without entering email (you can enter only a mobile phone number if you need to restore it). The first login should be done by yourself, and when setting up, activate the daily activity reports, send them by e-mail and block the private browsing mode (InPrivate). For children under the age of eight, the mode is disabled by default. Also in the settings you can specify a ban on the launch of individual applications (for example, games). It is also advisable to activate a timer showing the time that the child spends at the computer, and the location service for his mobile device.
The same is recommended for mobile devices and Smart TV. Although ... by and large, even without knowing the parent account, a thinking teenager will be able to reset all these settings within a couple of minutes. For obvious reasons, these methods are not given.
Issues of child self-realization
Finally, let the child not only feel like an adult, but also seriously engage in some kind of hobby, and not what parents are trying to impose on him.
You will see that even the most frivolous hobby will distract your child from the computer for a long time. It goes without saying that he needs to be fully supported in this, to talk more often on this topic, to encourage, to discuss achievements and problems.
What is not worth doing?
How to lock the computer from children, sorted out. Now about what should not be done under any circumstances. You canāt turn access to a computer into some kind of market economy.
And then after all, many parents begin to say, they say, you take out the trash and put it in the apartment, and I'll let you use the computer. This is not an option. So you can generally at the very early stage of growing up turn the child into a natural merchant.
Instead of an afterword
It remains to be said that far from all the methods have been given here that make it possible to fully solve the problems that arise, because in each particular case everything depends not only on the wishes of the parents, but also on the child himself, his character, tastes, inclinations, etc. And of course, do not rush from one extreme to the other, since absolute freedom of action and a complete ban will not lead to anything good. If nothing helps at all, it is better to turn to a professional child psychologist to find a way out of this negative situation together.