To protect children from online games, ‘open communication’ is essential.

The negative effects of computer games on children and adolescents can lead to dangerous consequences. Psychologist Büşra Öztürk Gökce emphasizes that online games pose a significant threat to children, urging families to establish open communication…

To protect children from online games, ‘open communication’ is essential.
Publish: 21.08.2024
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The negative effects of computer games on children and adolescents can lead to dangerous consequences. Psychologist Büşra Öztürk Gökce stated that especially online games pose a significant threat to children and emphasized that families should communicate openly to protect their children.

Recently, games played on computers and phones have once again become a topic of discussion. Following the closure of a game called Roblox due to child abuse allegations and an incident in Eskişehir where an 18-year-old young man stabbed five people under the influence of a computer game, parents turned their attention to expert comments. Büşra Öztürk Gökce, Head of the Guidance Department at MBA Schools Kindergarten – Primary School, provided important advice to families regarding the issue.

Gökce expressed that digital games on computers, tablets, or phones significantly affect children, especially in early childhood. She said, “Violent and online games make children vulnerable to abuse, bullying, and manipulation. The ease of access to chat rooms in games and the lack of control over this have made children susceptible to abuse. Online games, where we cannot determine which age group enters for what purpose, carry significant risks. We need to protect children in their adolescence and early childhood.”

“In-game purchases lead to addiction”
Gökce pointed out that the ability to make purchases within the game causes children to lose the distinction between real life and virtual life. She stated, “Many games require in-game purchases, which allows children to secretly access their family’s credit card information and make purchases. After a certain period, these purchases can lead to addiction in children who cannot control themselves. Since they cannot differentiate much between real life and the virtual world, they may engage in such shopping when they go to the store in daily life. The stars and points earned in games make it common to see a desire to use them outside during early childhood. Especially when we look at those under 12, the risk of developing addiction is quite high because brain development is still ongoing.”

“Social isolation begins in children”
Gökce stated that as children’s attachment to games increases, they experience a loss of self-confidence, explaining the situation as follows: “The reason for this is that children who distance themselves from real life become attached to the gaming world and show more interest in the game because they cannot find rewards and points from the game in real life. They experience a loss of self-confidence when they cannot win any competition among their peer group. As their attachment to the game increases, we also encounter the concept of social isolation. As gaming durations increase, sleep, attention, and focus problems become significant issues. Obesity, deformities, posture problems, and deformities in fingers are some of the important effects we have seen recently.”

“Violent games are continued in real life”
According to research, Gökce expressed that violent games cause children to lose the connection between real life and the virtual world. She said, “A child may not be able to establish a connection between imagination and reality and may continue the game in real life. Especially in content that develops strategies and involves killing, we can observe more susceptibility to such behaviors. The duration of exposure to the game is very effective here.”

Gökce stated that families have a significant responsibility in this regard and emphasized the importance of open communication with children. She said, “Being able to talk with children, setting boundaries within the home, and having open and clear dialogues protect children from these dangers. It is very important for the child to have a topic to share with their family when they come home, and if there is a limit regarding the use of technological devices, the family should explain it to the child. Children expect to be in communication with their families. Therefore, we should maintain open communication. By open communication, we mean that the child can express their desires, actions, and fears to their family without fear.”

“Play the game with your child”
Gökce also reminded that there are various applications that protect children from risky games and said that parents can benefit from such applications. She stated, “Using child protection programs greatly simplifies the job of parents. If a child has a tablet, phone, or computer, it is very important to check the games they download, review the games, and play them together with the child. Not only should the games be free of violent content, but it should also be checked whether they are appropriate in terms of ethical values.”

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