A few years ago, parents considered the computer to be an innocent entertainment that helps teenagers to get away from school and usefully spend their free time. But experts have proven that a hobby for a computer leads to gambling addiction and a violation of the child's psyche. The sooner parents start taking action, the sooner they will be able to return the teenager to reality from the virtual world.
A teenager with a gambling addiction is dissatisfied with real life, he has problems with studies, sleep disorders, changes in the daily routine, aggression, refusal to help. Psychologists compare gambling addiction with drug addiction and alcoholism, it is extremely difficult to get rid of it. To return a teenager to a normal life, parents need to work together and seek help from specialists.
What should parents do if a teenager has gambling addiction?
You cannot categorically prohibit the computer. You can, of course, turn off the Internet or throw out the game console, but this will only lead to anger of the teenager, he will find a place outside the house where he can play.
The most effective way to get rid of a teenager's gambling addiction is to pay as much attention to him as possible, spend time together and talk. Analyze the child's daily routine, remember what the whole family does during the day, in the evenings and on weekends. Limit the use of your computer, but don't ban games entirely. Be sure to explain to your child the reason for all the changes.
Diversify the life of a teenager and family: arrange joint trips to the cinema, go out into nature more often, take up sports education of the child. If you forbid constantly sitting at the computer, do not spend a lot of time at the monitor yourself.
Psychologist's help with gambling addiction
If the child is completely immersed in the virtual world and does not notice anything around, the parents are unlikely to be able to correct the situation without the help of specialists. First you need to contact a school psychologist, and if he is powerless, find an experienced psychotherapist. Psychocorrection, constant attention and care of parents will help a teenager get rid of gambling addiction.
Prevention of gambling addiction
The basis of prevention is a happy family environment. A child should not feel lonely and unnecessary. Parents will prevent the development of gambling addiction if they show their children how wonderful and diverse real life is. Spend your free time together: go hiking, walk in the park, visit an ice rink or pool. And most importantly, build friendships and trust in your family.
It is difficult to get rid of a teenager from gambling addiction. This can only be done by loving parents and experienced psychologists, and so that the child does not return to the virtual world, one should not forget about preventive measures.
