Episode Name:
Are Parents Responsible for Online Gaming Addiction?
Host:
Amrita Tiwari – Policy Research Associate, her interest lies in social dimensions of the digital ecosystem.
Episode Summary:
Listen to the latest episode of #UnwiringTech mentioning the roles of #parents and other stakeholders like #teachers, #policymakers, #techcompanies, in proliferating and curbing #onlinegaming addiction.
Transcript:
Host: Welcome to UnwiringTech, the podcast where we delve into global digital issues. I’m your host, Amrita, and today, we’re tackling a pressing concern: child gaming addiction and the responsibilities of various stakeholders. Specifically, we’ll explore whether parents bear any responsibility in this matter.
Host: In our previous episode, we examined the harmful effects of gaming addiction and discussed what gaming disorder entails. It’s important to note that not all children who play online games become addicted. It’s a complex issue with various contributing factors, including highly addictive game designs and social pressures. Peer pressure and social aspects can also play a significant role. If a child’s friends are heavily into gaming, they may feel compelled to join in and keep up with their peers.
Now, let’s delve into who bears responsibility for protecting children from online gaming addiction. Is it parents, teachers, governments, or gaming companies?
Host: Naturally, parents and guardians are often the first line of defense. What are their responsibilities?
Parents do have a role to play, but it’s important not to oversimplify. They should be aware of what games their children are playing and how much time they’re spending on them. It’s about maintaining a healthy balance.
Parental involvement can make a big difference. It’s about setting boundaries and clear time limits on gaming, fostering open communication, and ensuring children have a range of other activities to engage in both outdoors and indoors. Encouraging hobbies, sports, and social interactions beyond the gaming world is crucial. Parents should also be mindful of their own gaming habits, as children often model their behaviour.
Additionally, parents should educate themselves about video game content and age-appropriate choices. Some games are more suitable for children than others and parental controls can help manage access. If parents observe signs of gaming addiction, such as neglecting schoolwork, social isolation, or changes in behavior, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Addiction counselors and therapists can provide the necessary guidance and support. Remember, gaming addiction is a real concern and treating it as such is essential. It’s not solely a matter of discipline; it often requires professional intervention.
Host: Schools can implement programs that educate students about the risks of addiction, including substance abuse and problematic technology use. They can also provide access to counselors and support services for students facing addiction challenges.
Host: Along with parents, teachers can play a crucial role by recognizing signs of distress in their students and referring them to appropriate resources. It’s important to create a safe and nurturing learning environment where students feel comfortable discussing their concerns.
[BACKGROUND MUSIC]
Host: Now what role can governments and policy-makers play in this?
Governments should implement policies that regulate and restrict access to addictive substances and age-inappropriate content. They can also allocate resources for addiction prevention programs in schools and communities. Additionally, governments can support research into addiction prevention and treatment methods, ensuring that evidence-based approaches are available.
Moreover, governments can work with tech companies to develop industry standards and best practices for online safety. They should keep these regulations up-to-date with rapidly evolving technology. Governments can encourage the development of effective parental control tools and ensure their accessibility. They can also provide resources and guidelines to help parents understand and utilize these tools.
Now, how should gaming companies address this issue? Let’s explore some key responsibilities.
First and foremost, gaming companies should ensure that their games are appropriately rated for different age groups. Clear labeling helps parents make informed decisions about the suitability of a game for their children.
Robust parental control features empower parents to set limits on screen time, in-game purchases, and access to certain content.
Collaborating with psychologists, child development experts, and addiction specialists can be invaluable. Their input can help design games that are less likely to foster addiction and develop effective prevention strategies. Gaming companies should also work on developing technologies and features that can mitigate its risks and invest in research to understand gaming addiction better.
Lastly, gaming companies should actively participate in industry self-regulation efforts and support the establishment of industry-wide standards for responsible gaming.
Host: In conclusion, gaming addiction is a complex and significant issue. Different stakeholders, by fulfilling their responsibilities, can create a safer and more responsible gaming environment for young players.
Thank you for listening to #UnwiringTech. Stay tuned for more episodes and information on online gaming.
Additional Readings-
- https://www.theedgerehab.com/blog/is-my-sons-constant-gaming-a-parenting-fail/#:~:text=It’s%20all%20too%20common%20for,the%20games%20do%20this%20themselves.
- https://gamequitters.com/video-game-addiction-bad-parenting/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5700711/