Signs of cyberaddiction
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) now includes a category for Online Gaming Addiction Disorder (OGAD). Here are some symptomatic behaviors associated with online addiction:
- Excessive use of the Internet to escape problems;
- Withdrawal from ICT triggers reactions of anger, tension, severe depression and anxiety. It can also lead the person to disregard ICT rules, lie and hide his or her ICT habits;
- A growing tolerance to screen exposure time is observed. As a result, people are increasingly concerned about the JEL ;
- The person continues to invest in his or her ICT habits, despite the undesirable consequences for his or her social life. Thus, the person turns away from offline social ties, as well as from other interests and activities that provide satisfaction;
- His lifestyle is altered in terms of diet, sleep, sexuality and physical activity;
- School results and commitment are declining;
- The person has difficulty concentrating and maintaining attention.
Treatment and prevention
As we live in a screen-filled world, it would be counter-intuitive to banish screens from our children's lives. Our approach is to equip and guide our children in their discovery and use of ICT. It goes without saying that this support must be provided according to age. Under the age of 3, it is generally not recommended to expose children to screens, except to help with language development in the case of deficits. However, they should not be used to calm the child, nor during mealtimes. Around the age of 6, this could encourage the child to become withdrawn, at a time when he's in the midst of discovering his world. Around age 9, it's the child's right to accompany him or her in the discovery of ICT. Around the age of 12, children can have access to social networks, but the risks involved must be explained to them. These recommendations are not formal, but follow the advice of experts.
As a preventive measure against cyberaddiction, we can stimulate our child's critical judgment with regard to advertising strategies and the use of metadata, and help him or her to differentiate between the real and the imaginary. We can also choose games that promote cooperative skills (emotional and narrative interactions) rather than games that stimulate motor and sensory skills. Also, the diversification of activities without screens, sports and creative activities should be a priority before allowing activities with screens. Discussions about content, clear rules on the use of ICT and the placement of screens in common areas can prevent unhealthy use.
It is important to differentiate between use and abuse, as well as between educational and leisure screen time. To this end, the impact of ICT use habits on the person's daily functioning is assessed during treatment. Behavioural habits, thoughts related to ICT use behaviours and the socio-emotional context are explored to better understand the problematic situation reported. A functional analysis of the needs behind the behaviours is carried out to better understand the reasons behind the development of addictive behaviours. Coaching in the use of ICT, reinforcement of social skills, self-esteem and emotion management skills are often at the forefront of treatment objectives.
Involving the people around you is an important part of the process, as the problematic situation reported cannot be understood without the context in which it developed. Thus, the level of motivation of the people involved in the situation is assessed and reinforced throughout the meetings. Next, recommendations are made for modifying the social and emotional context in which the dependency problem arises. Finally, as a parent, it is imperative to observe one's own habits, knowledge and values with regard to ICT.
There's a whole range of recommendations adapted to your situation, which our professionals can help you put in place to promote your children's healthy development and a new family balance.
Consult our training course on the risks associated with using screens
This video presents our relationship with screens, the associated risks, cyberaddiction, screen misuse, recommendations for use and more.
Estelle Arcand, a psychoeducator by training, presents myths and truths about screens, the history of screens, the benefits of screen use, an awareness-raising exercise, a continuum of screen habits, the user profile, the risks associated with screen use in terms of language, cyberbullying and cyberpornography, hyperactivity and inattention, types of use, assessing the problem, risk factors, some neurological bases of addiction, the riskiest elements in screen use, recommendations for use, the family plan, parental controls, cooperative games, developing critical judgment, acting as a role model, slow-media, electronic fasting and more.