Digital gaming addiction threatens children's mental health

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Özge Çelik Büyükceran issued important warnings regarding the addictive effects of digital games on children and adolescents. Büyükceran stated that digital games stimulate brain regions associated with the reward system, which can lead to children becoming bored quickly with real-life tasks.

MAY INDICATE PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS

Digital gaming addiction can be associated with psychiatric conditions such as attention deficit, depression, and social anxiety. Büyükceran noted that this type of addiction is not just a behavioral pattern, but can also be a reflection of underlying psychiatric issues. Prolonged screen time can also lead to problems such as sleep disorders and physical inactivity.

Emphasizing that families should keep their children's interest in digital games under control, Büyükceran drew attention to the importance of family rules for regulating screen time. Touching on the importance of offering alternative activities that children can enjoy outside of screens, the expert stated that parents should also review their own digital habits.

Büyükceran expressed that guiding and regulatory strategies are more effective than prohibitive approaches against digital gaming addiction. She added that families should understand their children's relationship with digital content and seek professional support when necessary.