The negative effects of computer games on children and young people can have dangerous consequences. Psychologist Büşra Öztürk Gökce stated that especially online games pose a great threat to children and that families should protect their children by establishing open communication.
Games played on computers and phones have recently become a topic of discussion again. After the game called Roblox was shut down on the grounds of child abuse and an 18-year-old teenager in Eskişehir stabbed 5 people after being influenced by a computer game, parents turned their eyes to expert comments. Büşra Öztürk Gökce, Head of MBA Schools Kindergarten - Primary School PDR Department, gave important advice to families on the subject.
Stating that digital games on computers, tablets or phones affect children especially in early childhood, Gökce said, “Violent and online games make children vulnerable to abuse, bullying and manipulation. The fact that people can easily access chat rooms in games and the lack of control over this makes children vulnerable to abuse. Online games, which we cannot determine which age group enters for what purpose, carry a lot of risk. We need to protect children in adolescence and early childhood.”
“In-game shopping causes addiction”
Stating that the ability to buy in the game causes children to lose the difference between real life and virtual life, Gökce said, “Since many games require purchases, children can secretly access their family's credit card information and make purchases. After a certain period of time, these purchases can cause addiction in children who cannot control themselves. Since they cannot differentiate between real life and the virtual world, they may also engage in such shopping when they go to the market in daily life. We often see the desire to use the stars and points earned in games outside in early childhood. Especially when we look before the age of 12, the risk of developing addiction is quite high as brain development continues,” he said, drawing attention to an important point.
“Social isolation begins in the child”
Stating that children experience a loss of self-confidence as their attachment to games increases, Gökce explained this situation as follows:
“The reason for this is that children who move away from real life get attached to the game life and they show more interest in the game because they cannot find the gifts and points in the game in real life. They also experience a loss of self-confidence when they cannot win any competition among their own group of friends. We also encounter the concept of social isolation as their commitment to the game increases. Sleep, attention and focus problems become important as the duration of gaming increases. Obesity, deformities, posture disorders and deformities of the fingers are some of the important effects we have seen recently.”
“Violent play continues in real life”
Stating that according to research, violent games cause children to lose the connection between real life and the virtual world, Gökce said, “Children may not be able to establish a connection between imagination and reality and may continue the game in real life. We can see more influencing behavior especially in game content that develops strategies and is about killing people. The duration of the child's exposure to the game is very effective here.”
Stating that families have a great duty here, Gökce emphasized the importance of open communication with children. Gökce said, “Being able to talk to children, setting boundaries at home, having open and clear dialogues protect children from these dangers. It is very important that the child has something to share with his/her family when he/she comes home, and if there is a limit on the use of technological devices, it is very important that the family explains this to the child. Children expect to be in contact with their families. Therefore, we should have open communication. What we mean by open communication is that the child can fearlessly tell his/her family about his/her wishes, actions and fears.”
“Play the game with your child”
Reminding that there are various applications that protect children from risky games, Gökce said that parents can benefit from such applications, “Using child protection programs makes parents' job much easier. If the child has a tablet, phone or computer, it is very important to check the downloaded games, examine the games, and play the games with the child. It should be checked whether it is appropriate not only in terms of violent content but also in terms of ethical values.”
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