Playing video games tends to be more easily grab the attention of children, even though they have difficulty focusing on other things. Then, what if video games are played by children who have difficulty focusing or children with ADHD? Does that make the ADHD worse?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that is more commonly found in children and adolescents. ADHD children can be identified from their hyperactive behavior, difficulty focusing attention, and can not control their desire to always move actively.
Possible Can Help ADHD Children to Focus
Most ADHD children are more interested in playing video games than children in general. Fast movements on the screen, able to attract the attention of children with ADHD and make it not have time to think about anything else. Besides playing video games also bring pleasure and instant results. The question then often asked by parents, does video games cause a child to have ADHD? And do video games bring benefits or negative effects on children with ADHD?
Research confirms, there is no evidence to suggest that playing video games can cause a child to experience ADHD. Even in some cases, playing video games actually helps to reduce it. This is because children with ADHD get bored easily and are easily distracted, and when playing video games, children are required to focus and respond quickly. In addition, video games respond differently to the steps and decisions taken while playing, also provide many things that are able to attract the attention of children with ADHD.
Basically, playing video games can train cognitive abilities that make players need to focus on achieving goals. Playing video games may also increase the confidence of ADHD children. Even so, experts emphasize that parents still set limits, and do not let children play excessive video games.
Must Still Be Limited
The thing that needs more attention is the time spent playing video games. Because, this time should be used to do other useful things, such as interacting with friends and family. This is a negative side, especially for ADHD children who tend to have difficulty socializing and controlling impulse to move.
Children with ADHD are more at risk of experiencing video game addiction, therefore the role of parents is needed to help children understand boundaries, and diligently train children to be able to control themselves. In addition, also help children to realize that playing video games is not like an activity in the real world, where things might not go as easy as in the game.
It is important to limit so that children do not spend too much time staring at the screen, including watching and playing video games on television, computers, or cellular phones. Set rules agreed with the child, how many hours a day he can play, and whether he can only play on weekends. Also make sure there is always a break between playing video games.
The following time duration can be set for Little Kids with ADHD playing video games:
- Preschool children: only with the assistance of parents with a very limited duration.
- Elementary children: 1-1.5 hours per day, including TV viewing time.
- Middle school children: 1.5-2 hours per day, including watching TV and accessing mobile phones.
- High school kids: 2-2.5 hours per day. This duration can be negotiated according to academic needs.
In addition, Mother should avoid placing a computer that can be used by children to play video games in the room. This will make it more difficult for parents to control the child's playing time. Especially to play alone in the room all day, which is certainly not good for children, especially children with ADHD.
With proper mentoring by parents, children can play video games while minimizing the negative impacts that may arise, especially in children with ADHD. If you find it difficult to manage this, then do not hesitate to do a psychological consultation with children, at the nearest health service.
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